A newborn has died from a listeria infection in New Mexico, prompting state health officials to urge the public, especially pregnant women, to avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
While identities were not disclosed, the New Mexico Department of Health said in a press release published on February 3 that the most likely source of the infection was raw milk consumed by the baby’s mother during pregnancy.
Investigators couldn’t confirm the exact source but stressed that the case highlights the serious dangers raw dairy poses to pregnant people, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. According to the Mayo Clinic, listeria symptoms in newborns can be subtle, including poor feeding, low energy, irritability, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.
Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, is caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. While eating contaminated food isn’t life-threatening for most healthy people, it can lead to severe illness in vulnerable groups. According to the CDC, listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the US, killing about 260 people each year. So, how can you prevent infection? Click on to find out.