Listeria bacteria can cause an infection called listeriosis. These bacteria can contaminate food and when people eat food contaminated with the bacteria they can get sick. Listeria infections are rare, but serious. This infection can be especially harmful for some people, including pregnant people, newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected, but they rarely become seriously ill. Every year in the United States, an estimated 1,600 people get sick from Listeria and about 1 in 25,000 pregnant people are infected. Listeria can spread to your baby during pregnancy and cause harm, even if you do not feel very sick. With increasing age or weakened immune systems, your immune system has a harder time recognizing and getting rid of harmful germs, including Listeria. Some foods are more likely than others to be contaminated with Listeria. You can take steps to prevent infection, taking these steps is especially important if you or someone you cook for is at an increased risk for infection.
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