Some Roos Foods cheese products have initially tested positive for listeria bacteria, and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advises residents to avoid eating such cheeses, according to a DHMH news release.
Roos Foods includes several brands, including Santa Rosa de Lima, Amigo, Mexicana, Suyapo, La Chapina and La Purisima Crema Nica. Confirmatory testing is under way at this time, the release states.
Listeria bacteria can cause an infection called listeriosis, which includes fever, muscle aches, headaches, confusion and convulsions and can be preceded by nausea or diarrhea. It can be treated with antibiotics. It typically occurs within three days to 10 weeks of eating the contaminated food -- usually within three weeks, the release states.
Newborns, elderly persons and those with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to the disease, the release states.
More information on listeriosis can be found at
. DHMH is asking those with symptoms who have recently eaten Roos Foods cheese to contact their health-care provider.
