Surveillance

Purpose

CDC conducts surveillance for Listeria infections to learn more about the germ, how it causes disease, how it's spread, and other information to help protect the public from illness.

A three-dimensional, computer-generated image of a grouping of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Overview

Surveillance provides valuable insights into the foods, germs, and settings linked to foodborne diseases.

For more than 30 years, CDC has conducted surveillance for Listeria infections to learn more about the germ, how it causes disease, how it's spread, and other information to help protect the public from illness.

Each of the CDC systems monitoring Listeria serves a different purpose. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of listeriosis in the United States.

Solving outbreaks

Fact‎

We're using whole genome sequencing, a laboratory method that provides genetic information about Listeria to help solve outbreaks and improve food safety.

Have you ever wondered why it takes a while to hear about cases of Listeria infection after people get sick? Or why the number of cases linked to an outbreak can increase for weeks after measures are taken to stop the outbreak?

Many events take place from the moment someone eats a food contaminated with Listeria to when public health officials can determine that the person is part of an outbreak.

Timeline for Linking a Case of Listeria Infection to an Outbreak
Timeline for Linking a Case of Listeria Infection to an Outbreak