Listeria Case Reported in Lutsk
A 35-year-old woman from Lutsk lost her newborn after contracting listeriosis during pregnancy, which triggered premature labor. This marks the second recorded case of the infection in the Volyn region since early 2026. Initially, the woman experienced symptoms resembling a common cold, including fever and a cough. The true cause of her illness was only identified through laboratory testing, which detected the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.
The Dangers of Listeriosis and Preventive Advice
Listeriosis is a rare infectious disease that poses particular risks to pregnant women. The bacteria can survive and even multiply at low temperatures, such as those found in refrigerators. Contaminated food is the primary route of transmission. Health experts emphasize the importance of following food safety guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.
After completing a successful course of treatment, the woman was discharged from the hospital and is now in stable condition. To minimize the likelihood of infection, specialists recommend these key precautions:
- Avoid meat and meat products that have not been thoroughly cooked.
- Do not consume raw milk or soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.
- Steer clear of ready-to-eat chilled items such as pâtés, deli meats, and smoked fish.
- Avoid unwashed fruits and vegetables.
Additional advice includes thoroughly washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw meat; avoiding products made with unpasteurized milk; steering clear of chilled ready-to-eat foods with long shelf lives; and strictly adhering to proper storage temperatures and expiration dates.
This case of listeriosis highlights the critical need for awareness about the risks tied to certain foods, especially for vulnerable groups like expectant mothers.
Source: medical experts
Although listeriosis remains rare in Ukraine, its consequences can be severe, underscoring the importance of proper food safety practices among the public. Doctors continue to stress the necessity of maintaining hygiene standards during food preparation and storage to lower the risk of infection.