A woman in Xi’an, China, was rushed to Xi’an Daxing Hospital after developing severe symptoms such as body aches, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and confusion—later diagnosed as a brain infection caused by listeria bacteria. The illness occurred after she ate watermelon that had been stored in the fridge overnight.
According to Qianjiang Video, the woman said she had cut the watermelon two days prior, wrapped the leftover portion in plastic wrap, and placed it in the refrigerator. She ate the refrigerated watermelon the next day and soon began to feel unwell.
Thanks to emergency medical treatment, the woman has now been transferred to a general ward. Doctors confirmed the infection was caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can survive and grow in cold environments, including refrigerators.
Medical experts warn that watermelon is best consumed fresh after cutting. The Changxing County Food and Drug Testing Center calls Listeria the “refrigerator killer” due to its ability to thrive below 4°C. It is commonly found in undercooked meat, dairy products, pre-made salads, and frozen foods, often spreading through cross-contamination.
Elderly individuals, pregnant women, children, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. In severe cases, the infection can lead to meningitis, sepsis, or even death—with a fatality rate as high as 30%.
For pregnant women, Listeria can also be transmitted to the fetus via the placenta or birth canal, possibly leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or neonatal sepsis. The mortality rate in such cases can reach up to 70%.
