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Immune system changes in pregnant women place the women themselves, their unborn children, and their newborns at increased risk of foodborne illness. These illnesses can be worse during pregnancy and may lead to miscarriage or premature delivery. Some foodborne illnesses, such as Listeria and Toxoplasma gondii, can infect the fetus even if the mother does not feel sick.

A properly functioning immune system works to clear infection and other foreign agents from the body. People with health problems or who take medicines that weaken the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness are more likely to get a foodborne illness. This includes, for example, people with diabetes; liver or kidney disease; HIV/AIDS; autoimmune diseases; organ transplants; and people receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Adults age 65 and older are at a higher risk for hospitalization and death from foodborne illness. This increased risk of foodborne illness is because organs and body systems go through changes as people age.

Food poisoning or foodborne illness can affect anyone who eats food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, or other substances, but certain people are more likely to get sick or to have a serious illness.

Learn tips for staying healthy and safe during pregnancy, including calorie needs and healthy foods for mom and baby from the Office on Women’s Health.

Listing of resources to find out how to keep food safe during and after an emergency, such as a flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power.

Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases homepage (DFWED). DFWED is part of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.

The Environmental Health Services Branch provides the practice-based research, training, technical assistance, and evidence-based guidance needed by state, tribal, local, and territorial environmental health practitioners to prevent environmental exposures and protect health.

CDC provides information for survivors and clinicians on tsunami health and safety concerns including flooding, disease outbreaks, food safety, water quality, and cleanup.

CDC provides information for survivors and clinicians on tsunami health and safety concerns including flooding, disease outbreaks, food safety, water quality, and cleanup.