Chapter 12
Real Life Impacts of Listeria Infection
Listeria infection often results in death among elderly populations and stillbirth, miscarriage or premature delivery among pregnant women.
Because Listeria infection is most severe in elderly persons, pregnant women and newborns, the symptoms of infection vary greatly.
In older adults or immunocompromised individuals, septicemia (Listeria bacteria in the blood stream) and meningitis are the most common indicators of illness.
In pregnant women, a mild, flu-like illness can be followed by miscarriage, premature delivery or stillbirth. In newborns, bacteremia (Listeria bacteria in the blood stream) and meningitis are the most common indicators of Listeria infection.
Several families whose lives were altered when they lost a loved one to Listeria infection have shared their stories here. All were victims of the 2012 Listeria outbreak traced to contaminated Jensen Farms cantaloupes.
- Herbert Stevens and Charles “Chuck” Palmer both survived Listeria infections in 2011, but their battles with this pathogen left them severely weakened. Marie Jones and William Beach both died as a result of their Listeria infections. The stories of these 4 victims of the cantaloupe Listeria outbreak are shared here.
Dr. Michael Hauser succumbed after a devastating Listeria infection he also contracted from Jensen Farms cantaloupe.
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The Economic Impact of Listeria Infections
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Preventing Listeria Infection
