Listeria (Listeriosis) | Listeria | CDC

Listeria (Listeriosis) | Listeria | CDC







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.

Looking for Information About Listeria?

CDC’s newly updated Listeria website provides answers to frequently asked questions about this harmful germ and the disease it causes. You can also find information on these topics: How pregnant women can help protect themselves from Listeria infection Which other groups have a greater chance for infection Prevention tips that everyone can use Outbreaks linked to Listeria How disease detectives combine epidemiology and the latest technology to stop outbreaks