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 infection?

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.
For more information, visit:
- Guide for Food Safety for Older Adults pdf icon[PDF – 26 pages]external icon
- Guide for Food Safety for People with Cancer pdf icon[PDF – 26 pages]external icon
- Guide for Food Safety for People with Diabetes pdf icon[PDF – 26 pages]external icon
- Guide for Food Safety for People with HIV/AIDS pdf icon[PDF – 26 pages]external icon
- Guide for Food Safety for Pregnant Women pdf icon[PDF – 26 pages]external icon
- Guide for Food Safety for Transplant Recipients pdf icon[PDF – 26 pages]external icon
Click on the links below to find information and tips for: