Cases of listeriosis are becoming more common - are ready-to-eat foods to blame?

Over the last few years, cases of listeriosis in humans have been rising in Germany and across the EU. Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes has been the primary cause of these illnesses: although rare in the general population, infection with this pathogen can lead to fatal blood poisoning, encephalitis and meningitis. Pregnant women, babies, the el- derly and those who have an immune system weakened by pre-existing medical conditions or medication are all at greater risk of contracting a case of listeriosis. In pregnant women, who often have only flu-like symptoms or none at all, the infection can cause a premature birth or miscarriage. Listeriosis is not usually a health hazard for healthy adults: in most cases, the infection proceeds without any symptoms and therefore goes undetected.