Listeriosis

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Listeriosis is a type of bacterial infection. It is most common in babies and old people, affecting the throat, eyes, skin and nervous system. It is picked up from infected food.

Most cases occur in babies infected before birth when the pregnant mother picks up the infection. Fortunately it is very rare: only about one baby in 18,000 is affected. Sadly, many infected babies suffer widespread damage to most of the systems of the body, and about 25% are stillborn.

The listeria germ has been found in many different species of animals, birds, fish and crustaceans. It can be present in coleslaw, raw vegetables, soft cheeses, patÃ©s, unpasteurised milk and various pre-cooked foods. It is also found in sewage and soil. Up to 30 per cent of healthy people excrete it in their faeces.

Over half the chickens in Britain carry the germ, either internally or externally, but proper cooking kills it.