People at Risk
CDC estimates that Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness, or food poisoning, in the United States. An estimated 1,600 people get sick from Listeria each year, and about 260 die.
Listeria is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.
Who Has a Greater Chance of Listeria Food Poisoning?
Get the Facts
Pregnant Hispanic women are 24 times more likely than the general population to get Listeria infection.
Las mujeres hispanas embarazadas tienen 24 veces mayor que la población general de contraer la infección por Listeria.
Additional Resources
For more information, visit:
- Guide for Food Safety for Older Adults [PDF – 26 pages]
- Guide for Food Safety for People with Cancer [PDF – 26 pages]
- Guide for Food Safety for People with Diabetes [PDF – 26 pages]
- Guide for Food Safety for People with HIV/AIDS [PDF – 26 pages]
- Guide for Food Safety for Pregnant Women [PDF – 26 pages]
- Guide for Food Safety for Transplant Recipients [PDF – 26 pages]
Click on the links below to find information and tips for:
- Page last reviewed: December 12, 2016
- Page last updated: June 29, 2017
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