HEALTH ALERT!

FOOD-BORNE ILLNESS IN NEW JERSEY CLAIMS FIVE LIVES

PATERSON – Of the nineteen cases of the food-borne illness listeriosis (uncommon bacteria) identified in New Jersey since June 2002, five people have died. Could you have listeriosis and not know it?  Treatment is available.  Take a minute to read and understand the symptoms for yourself, family or friends, and what you can do to prevent this illness.

Medical Epidemiologist, Dr. Jadwiga M. Warwas, from the Passaic County Department of Health is working closely with other county officials and the Center for Disease Control to inform the local population and prevent outbreaks of this illness in Passaic County.

What are the Symptoms?

·         Symptoms can appear anywhere from 3 to 70 days. 

·         Fever, muscle aches, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.

·         If the illness spreads, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or violent shaking can occur.

How do you get listeriosis?

·         You get listeriosis by eating food contaminated with the Listeria bacteria.

How can you reduce your risk for food-borne illness?

·         Thoroughly cook raw food, such as beef, pork, or poultry.

·         Wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating.

·         Keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods.

·         Avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk or foods made from raw milk.

·         Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards between handling uncooked foods. 

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