What other symptoms can accompany fever in cases of listeriosis?

In cases of listeriosis, fever is often accompanied by muscle aches and a stiff neck. These symptoms are indicative of the body’s immune response to the infection caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Muscle aches can occur as the body fights off the infection, while a stiff neck is particularly concerning because it may indicate meningitis, which is a serious complication associated with listeriosis. The presence of these symptoms highlights the potential for listeriosis to affect the central nervous system, leading to further complications if not treated promptly.

The other options present symptoms that may be associated with various respiratory infections or other illnesses, but they are not typical indicators of listeriosis specifically. Joint pain and swelling are more commonly linked to conditions such as arthritis, while confusion and balance issues can arise from a range of neurological problems, not solely related to listeriosis. Cough and sore throat are characteristic of respiratory infections, which do not align with the symptoms expected in listeriosis.