Purpose
Learn which groups of people have a greater chance of getting a harmful Listeria infection.
![At Risk Pregnant person holding their stomach with their hand speaking to a doctor.](/listeria/media/images/2024/08/DFE-Listeria-People-at-Risk_1.jpg)
Overview
People who eat food contaminated with Listeria can get an infection.
Listeria infection is rare. But it can be especially harmful for some people, including
- People who are pregnant
- Newborns
- People who are 65 years or older
- People who have a weakened immune system
Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they usually do not become seriously ill.
Pregnant people and newborns
Every year in the United States, about 1 in 25,000 pregnant people are infected with Listeria.
Listeria can spread to your baby during pregnancy cause harm, even if you do not feel very sick. Sadly, 1 in 4 pregnant people who get this illness lose their pregnancy or their baby shortly after birth.
You can take steps to protect your baby.
- Chose safer food options.
- Check for recalled food and outbreaks.
- Call your healthcare provider if you have a fever and feel more tired and achy than normal. Say if you ate recalled food in the past two months or are worried about something you ate. Early treatment can help save your baby.
Older adults
Every year in the United States, an estimated 1,600 people get sick from Listeria. More than half of all Listeria infections occur among people 65 years and older.
As you get older, your immune system has a harder time recognizing and getting rid of harmful germs, including Listeria. You also have less stomach acid, which can help kill germs.
Older adults with Listeria infection almost always have to be hospitalized. Sadly, 1 in 6 older adults with this infection die.
You can take steps to protect yourself.
- Chose safer food options.
- Check for recalled food and outbreaks.
- Learn when to talk to your healthcare provider. Early treatment can help save your life.
People with weakened immunity
People with a weakened immune system are the group most likely to get a Listeria infection.
That is because your immune system isn't as able to recognize and get rid of harmful germs, including Listeria.
People with a weakened immune system make up 75% of all people with Listeria infection. Infection almost always leads to hospitalization. Sadly, 1 in 6 people in this group with Listeria infection die.
You likely have a weakened immune system if
- A healthcare provider told you so.
- You have a health condition, such as cancer, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, alcoholism, or HIV infection or AIDS.
- You are on a treatment that make it more difficult for the body to fight off illness, such as steroids or chemotherapy.
You can take steps to protect yourself.
- Chose safer food options.
- Check for recalled food and outbreaks.
- Learn when to talk to your healthcare provider. Early treatment can help save your life.