"Extremely serious infection": fever, flu-like symptoms... What are the symptoms of listeriosis?

Cheeses that are causing great concern. More than 40 batches sold in supermarkets and produced in a factory in Creuse - already implicated for bacteriological problems - have been recalled due to suspected Listeria monocytogenes contamination. A bacterium that causes a rare infectious disease: listeriosis.

"It's an environmental bacterium found in water, in certain animals, and in decomposing plants," Bruno Megerbane, head of the intensive care unit at Lariboisière Hospital in Paris, explained to Apolline Matin . "It can mainly contaminate dairy products, such as soft cheeses and raw milk, but also cold cuts and fish."

Since Monday, the government has established a "possible link" between the recalled products and a sudden surge in cases . A total of 21 people have already contracted the disease, two of whom have died.

Since 1982, Listeria monocytogenes has been considered "a biological hazard in the food industry, leading to numerous food recalls and withdrawals," says the Pasteur Institute . Under national surveillance, it is very difficult to contain the spread of this bacterium .

"Contamination is simple," Bruno Megerbane explained to RMC . "It can develop even in a well-maintained cold chain. And unfortunately, when a person ingests contaminated food, they develop an extremely serious infection. The bacteria is responsible for septicemia and meningitis, with a death rate of around 30%."

"In a few hours, the situation could become much more serious," said Bruno Megerbane.

With an incubation time ranging from a few days to several weeks (on average 10 to 28 days, specifies sante.gouv.fr ), it is very complicated to diagnose listeriosis yourself before it suddenly worsens .

"It starts off relatively unspecifically," explains the department head. "At first, it can look like a simple flu. People develop a fever, often isolated, sometimes accompanied by headaches. Within a few hours, the situation can become much more serious. There are impaired alertness or a significant drop in attention, which will require hospitalization in intensive care to receive appropriate antibiotics by infusion."

This infection, which affects the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, cannot be treated at home. "You must go to the hospital immediately" as soon as the situation worsens, insists the professional. Listeriosis can cause a coma and even lead to death. "It is also important to know that pregnant women are extremely sensitive to this bacteria and can transmit it to their fetus several weeks later," adds the author of the Manual of Toxicology in Intensive Care .

It is important to remember once again that listeriosis remains a rare infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , between 0.1 and 10 cases per million inhabitants are recorded annually, depending on the country and region of the world.

To prevent food contamination , the WHO recommends several methods for combating this bacterium, which is resistant to refrigeration. Listeria monocytogenes can be destroyed by pasteurization and cooking. Although the current recall concerns all soft cheeses with a bloomy rind made from pasteurized cow's milk (such as Camembert or creamy cheeses) or goat's milk (such as bûches).

At home, it is advisable to maintain a clean space to prevent its proliferation, to separate raw and cooked foods, to ensure proper cooking of food, and to use safe products.