EEIP RIDRM Listeriosis
Listeriosis is an illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Pregnant women are most affected, and infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Others more seriously affected are adults 65 years and older and people with weakened immune systems. Listeria infection not only affects the gastrointestinal tract, it can also affect the joints, bones, and other areas of the torso. Severe infection may cause infections of the bloodstream (sepsis) or brain (meningitis/encephalitis).
Actions Required and Control Measures
Reporting Requirements - Category 2
Listeriosis is physician reportable by mail within 12 hours of recognition or strong suspicion to both the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the local health department (LHD). The director of any clinical laboratory must also report laboratory evidence of Listeria monocytogenes to both the DPH and the LHD. Additional laboratory requirements: Isolates of L. monocytogenes must be submitted to the DPH State Public Health Laboratory for confirmation. To assure you have the most up-to-date information concerning reportable diseases, please visit the Reporting of Diseases, Emergency Illnesses, Health Conditions, and Laboratory Findings page.
Case Investigation
LHD Responsibility: If a cluster/outbreak situation is identified, the LHD will work with DPH to investigate and identify a common source of infection (e.g., raw or contaminated milk, soft cheeses, contaminated vegetables, ready-to-eat meats) and to implement control measures to prevent further exposure to that source.
DPH Responsibility: The DPH, through FoodNet/FoodCORE, will interview all cases of listeriosis.
This page last updated 09/16/2019.