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Newborn babies can be born with listeria if their mother contracted it during pregnancy. What can be done? Antibiotics are given to pregnant women who have been infected with listeria. This can prevent the infection pa__sing to the fetus. Antibiotics are also given to other high-risk groups. However, the elderly and those with serious medical problems may not be cured, despite prompt medical attention. Prevention measures for pregnant women and those with weak immune systems: Avoid eating deli foods such as cold cuts - or reheat them before eating them. Check use-by dates on all ready-to-eat foods and examine the food and packaging before you buy and before eating it. Avoid cold rice and uncooked seafood (sushi may contain listeria). Avoid pate because this can carry listeria. Cook hot dogs and other pre-prepared meats until they are piping hot. Avoid soft cheeses such as camembert, brie, and blue vein. (Processed cheese such as cheddar, cream cheese, cottage cheese and yoghurt are safe to eat). Avoid ready-to-eat seafood such as mussels and oysters, or cook them before eating them. Practise safe food hygiene and avoid cross contamination of vegetables with raw meat by storing them separately. (See Medic8 article on food safety). Wash cutlery and chopping boards after handling raw meat or deli food. Hope it helps! Hugs and best wishes, I am sure everything will be fine! :)