Health Watch is a public service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Health Watch, we're talking about food-borne illnesses. Some people are at greater risk from infections they get from food, so they may have to take extra precautions. For instance, there are some foods that pregnant women shouldn't eat because they could be contaminated with bacteria that can cause serious complications.

Dr. Kevin Magee, an obstetrician and gynecologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized cheeses, which may be infected with the listeria bacteria. Infections caused by this bacteria can be dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies. Cheeses that may be unpasteurized include some kinds of brie, feta, goats-milk cheese and Mexican queso fresco. Pregnant women should also avoid other unpasteurized dairy products and uncooked meats.

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July 2006

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