Listeriosis is a foodborne infection also known as listeria monocytogenes, one cause of the sickness colloquially known as food poisoning. There are 10 distinct species of the bacteria listeria. Possible symptoms of listeriosis include fever, diarrhea, and sore throat.
This infection can cause a serious septicemia and meningitis in at-risk populations such as infants, pregnant women (intrauterine infection usually results in fetal death), the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
Preventative sanitary measures such as thoroughly cooking and pasteurizing food can kill the bacteria at fault and aid in preventing the infection from occurring.