Risks of listeriosis (Listeria)

Learn what the risks of listeriosis are and who is most at risk.

On this page

• What are the risks of getting listeriosis?
• Who is most at risk?
• What are the complication risks?
• For more information

What are the risks of getting listeriosis?

While listeriosis is a rare disease in Canada, some foods are more likely to carry the Listeria bacteria than others. Some higher-risk foods include:

• refrigerated smoked fish
• raw or unpasteurized milk
• soft and unpasteurized cheeses
• ready-to-eat meats, such as:
  • pâté
  • deli meats
  • hot dog wieners

Who is most at risk?

Those who are most at risk of becoming sick with severe listeriosis include:

• people with weakened immune systems (unable to fight diseases easily)
• adults over the age of 60
• the risk increases with age due to a weakening immune system
• pregnant women, including their unborn or newborn baby

What are the complication risks?

If you have severe listeriosis, you can develop a brain infection and/or blood poisoning. Severe listeriosis can be fatal.

If listeriosis spreads from a mother to her unborn baby, it can cause:

• a miscarriage
  • this is when your baby dies in the womb before the 20th week of pregnancy
• a stillbirth
  • this is when your baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy (before delivery)
• a premature birth
• life-threatening illness in your baby shortly after birth