Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 die. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.
Pregnant Women and Listeria
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Pregnant women are 10 times more likely than other people to get a Listeria infection. See the steps you can take to protect your health.
Which Foods Are Risky?
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Listeria can hide in many foods. Play it safe when buying, preparing, and eating these specific foods.
Information for Health Professionals
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Get in-depth information on Listeria, resources for educating patients, and guidelines for submitting a specimen to CDC.
- Page last reviewed: December 12, 2016
- Page last updated: June 29, 2017
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