Food Poisoning Quick Facts -- Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria found in soil and water.  Animals, such as fish, can carry the Listeria bacteria without looking ill.  Listeria has been found in a variety of raw foods, such as uncooked meats and vegetables, as well as in processed foods that become contaminated after processing, such as soft cheeses and cold cuts at the deli counter. Unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk may contain Listeria.

The primary symptoms of Listeria food poisoning are fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea and diarrhea.  If Listeria infection spreads to the nervous system, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.  Listeria infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, premature delivery, or infection of the newborn.

Approximately 2,500 people become seriously ill with Listeria food poisoning each year in the United States.  Of those, approxiamtely 500 die.  Persons who are at greater risk of serious illness or death as a result of Listeria food poisoning include the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and persons with compromised immune systems.

If you suspect that you or someone you love has Listeria food poisoning, you should contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way helping Western Pennsylvanians who have been the victim of food poisoning. Let our experience and track record of success work for you, to find out who is to blame for your food poisoning and to aggressively pursue your right to full compensation for your physical injuries, mental anguish, medical bills, and lost income.  The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese work on cases in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Uniontown, Beaver, Erie, Washington, and all courts in Western Pennsylvania.