[an error occurred while processing this directive] 2002-2003 Infectious Disease - Listeriosis (2002) [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]

2002 Indiana Report of Infectious Diseases

Listeriosis

Table 1. Listeriosis Cases by Race and Sex, Indiana, 2002
  2002 1998-2002
Cases Rate* Cases
Total 13 .021 59
Race
   White 7 0.12 38
   Black 2 0.38 6
   Other 0 0 1
   Not Reported 4 - 14
Sex
   Male 4 0.13 23
   Female 9 0.28 34
   Not Reported 0 - 2

*Rate per 100,000 population based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s   population data as of July 1, 2002

Listeriosis is caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease can be transmitted through soil and water and has been found in a variety of raw foods such as uncooked meats, vegetables, and dairy products. Animals can carry the bacterium without appearing ill. This rare infection affects mostly pregnant women, newborns, and children and adults with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include nausea, diarrhea, fever, and muscle aches. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, headache, stiff neck, confusion and/or convulsions may occur.

In 2002, 13 cases of listeriosis were reported in Indiana, indicating a rate of less than 1 case per 100,000 population (Table 1). Figure 1 shows reported listeriosis cases by year for 1998-2002. Incidence of disease was greatest during the spring to early fall months (Figure 2). As shown in Figure 3, age-specific rates were greatest for older adults 70+ years of age. Ten counties reported having at least one listeriosis case in 2002; however, no county had five or more reported cases. There were no outbreaks of listeriosis reported in Indiana in 2002.

You can learn more about listeriosis by visiting the following Web site:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/listeriosis_g.htm

 

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