Recently, cantaloupe listeria was reported to kill 16 out of the 72 people infected by the virus. The virus is indeed dangerous because of the slow onset of symptoms. However, if it is prevented, the disease can only last for 3 to 7 days.

Listeriosis, just like any other viral infection, can be treated by antibiotics. The initial choice of drug for listeria-caused infections is IV ampicillin.

The preferred route of the drug is intravenous for faster absorption. Ampicillin can also be used in combination with gentamicin. Bactrim (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) has been used successfully as well.

These are the main drugs that are commonly used in listeria cases. However, individualized treatment is more preferred for optimal results. The treatment for listeriosis is always based on the severity of the disease.

Patients with meningitis or brain abscesses can have longer treatment period compared to those who were able to prevent the spread of the disease.

Aside from treating the infection by killing listeria, palliative treatment should also be given to treat symptoms. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can be taken to relieve fever and muscle pain.

If the patient is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, the best thing to do is to drink plenty of fluids to replace those that have been lost. When the appetite is lost, it is important to eat small, light meals and avoid fatty, heavy, or spicy food that may heighten up diarrhea.

Invasive listeriosis happens when the infection spreads in to the blood stream or to the central nervous system. Hospital admission is a must. Intravenous antibiotics should be given immediately and the patient’s condition should be monitored closely. Treatments of two to six weeks are commonly required to treat invasive listeriosis.

Infants infected by listeria should be kept in an intensive care unit to monitor their condition. However, the treatment is also the same with adult patients. On the other hand, if a pregnant female is infected with listeria, the best thing to do is to seek for IV antibiotic treatment to prevent the infection spreading to the baby. Ultrasound scans may also be asked to assess the baby’s health.