A while ago, there was news that enoki mushrooms were contaminated with bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. These bacteria are known to cause an infectious disease known as listeriosis. In addition to enoki mushrooms, Listeria bacteria can also be found in other foods.
The emergence of news related to the withdrawal of enoki mushrooms from circulation by the Indonesian government had shocked the public. The reason is, not a few Indonesians use enoki or enokitate mushrooms to be processed into various types of dishes and consume them.
This withdrawal was carried out by the government based on a report from the International Food Safety Authority Network (INFOSAN) regarding the status of Extraordinary Events (KLB) in the United States, Australia and Canada due to consuming enoki mushrooms originating from South Korea.
The results showed that the imported enoki mushrooms were contaminated with bacteria Listeria monocytogenes which can cause listeriosis. However, until now cases of listeriosis have not been declared to be endemic or increasing in Indonesia.
About Listeria Bacteria and Listeriosis Disease
Listeria bacteria is a type of pathogenic bacteria or bacteria that can cause disease and infection. These bacteria are commonly found in moist environments or certain objects, such as soil, water, rotting vegetables or fruits, and animal or human waste.
The process of storing or processing food that is not hygienic is also at risk of causing food to be contaminated by bacteria L. monocytogenes. When these foods are consumed and enter the body, people who eat them can be at risk for listeriosis.
Listeriosis or listeria bacterial infection can cause mild and severe symptoms. In mild cases, listeria can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Meanwhile, in severe cases, Listeria bacteria can cause sepsis and meningitis.
If the infection is severe, listeriosis can cause the following symptoms:
- Headache
- High fever
- Muscle and bone pain
- Stiff neck
- Changes in mental status, such as confusion or anxiety and restlessness
- Seizures
- Hard to breathe
- Loss of consciousness or coma
Listeriosis tends to be more dangerous if it affects infants, children, the elderly, and people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or are undergoing chemotherapy.
In healthy pregnant women, the symptoms of listeriosis are generally mild. However, this bacterial infection has the risk of causing some pregnancy problems, such as premature birth and infection of the fetus. In certain cases, listeriosis in pregnant women can even cause miscarriage.
Symptoms of listeriosis can appear 3–60 days after a person eats enoki mushrooms or other foods and drinks that have been contaminated with listeria bacteria.
Listeriosis Infection Treatment
Treatment for listeriosis depends on the severity of the disease or the symptoms experienced by the sufferer. Listeriosis with mild symptoms generally goes away on its own. It is enough for the sufferer to undergo treatment at home with adequate rest, eat nutritious food, and drink more water.
However, if the symptoms are severe enough, this condition needs to be treated by a doctor. To treat severe listeria, sufferers must undergo treatment in a hospital so that doctors can monitor the patient's condition and give antibiotics and fluids through an IV.
The length of the recovery process can vary, depending on how severe the infection is. Mild listeria infections usually clear up in 3-4 days, while severe listeria infections may require longer treatment.
Listeria Bacterial Infection Prevention
Please note that listeria bacteria are not only found in enoki mushrooms, but also various types of food and other beverages, such as processed meats, seafood, etc.seafood), as well as milk and its processed products.
The risk of listeria bacteria contamination in enoki mushrooms or other food and drink will be higher if the food or drink is processed unhygienicly.
To prevent listeria bacterial infection, you are advised to follow the following tips:
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming.
- Try to cook all the ingredients until they are fully cooked.
- Avoid storing raw meat or seafood in the same container as vegetables or fruit.
- Avoid consuming raw or unpasteurized milk.
- Wash hands before cooking and eating food.
- Wash and clean cooking utensils after use.
Although cases of listeriosis due to enoki mushrooms have not been detected in Indonesia, there is nothing wrong if we take preventive steps to avoid the risk of these infectious diseases.
If you experience symptoms of listeriosis within a few days after consuming certain foods or drinks, including enoki mushrooms, immediately consult a doctor to undergo an examination and get the right treatment.