Listeria is the name of a bacteria found in soil and water and some animals, including poultry and cattle. It can be present in raw milk and foods made from raw milk. It can also live in food processing plants and contaminate a variety of processed meats. A healthy body is able to cope with small numbers of Listeria monocytogenes; large numbers however can be overwhelming. For pregnant women, the elderly and children, it can be fatal.
It is a facultative anaerobic bacterium which means it is capable of surviving in the presence or absence of oxygen. These bacteria can reach dangerous levels in food that is beginning to rot. Poor fridge storage, poor temperature control, undercooking food, reusing out-of-date foods and poorly maintained/cleaned kitchens can also be the cause of Listeria. Ready-to-eat meats, hot dogs, pâtés and meat spreads are common hosts to this bacterium. Cheeses made from unpasteurized milk such as feta, brie and camembert can also contain high amounts of Listeria.
Symptoms of Listeria can include:
- Raised Temperaure
- Muscle Pain (usually stiff neck)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
Less Common symptoms of Listeria can include:
- Brain Damage
- Nerve Damage
- Death
Listeria symptoms can appear between 3-28 days and some cases even longer. The illness can last anywhere from a few days to many weeks and in some cases can prove fatal.
It is your tour operators’ responsibility to make sure you are provided with a safe, clean and hygienic hotel.
If you have fallen ill whilst on an all-inclusive holiday to Sunny Beach get in touch with a member of our team. We have over 10 years industry experience and we will be happy to help you through the process of claiming back the cost of your holiday plus any additional compensation you may be owed.
