listeria

## 🦠 What is Listeria?

**Listeria monocytogenes** is a type of bacteria that causes the disease **listeriosis**.

* Commonly found in **ready-to-eat foods, unpasteurized dairy, processed meats, smoked fish, and raw vegetables**.

* Can **survive and even grow in cold environments**, which means it can multiply in the refrigerator if foods aren’t stored properly.

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## ⚠️ Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the person and severity of infection:

* Fever and chills

* Nausea and vomiting

* Muscle aches

* Diarrhea or digestive issues

* In severe cases, especially for **pregnant women, the elderly, or immunocompromised people**, it can lead to **serious infection, miscarriage, or neurological complications**.

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## 🧼 Prevention

* Cook meats thoroughly, especially processed meats.

* Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating.

* Avoid unpasteurized foods such as some cheeses and raw milk.

* Regularly clean refrigerators and surfaces, especially if storing meat or fish.