How does someone get listeriosis? You get listeriosis by eating
food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Babies can be
born with listeriosis if their mothers eat contaminated food
during pregnancy. However, healthy persons may consume
contaminated foods without becoming ill. Persons at risk can
prevent listeriosis by avoiding certain high-risk foods and by
handling and storing food properly. Listeria monocytogenes is
commonly found in soil and water. Animals can carry the
bacterium without appearing ill and can contaminate foods of
animal origin, such as meats and dairy products. Most human
infections follow consumption of contaminated food. Rare cases
of nosocomial transmission have been reported. When Listeria
bacteria get into a food processing factory, they can live there
for years, sometimes contaminating food products. The bacterium
has been found in a variety of raw foods, such as uncooked meats
and vegetables, as well as in foods that become contaminated
after cooking or processing, such as soft