Cochise County health officials are warning residents about risks associated with eating cheese made from milk that has not been pasteurized.

Queso fresco and other Mexican-style soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk can contain listeria bacteria, the source of a dangerous and sometimes fatal food borne infection called listeriosis. The county Health Department is launching an informational campaign to educate people about the dangers of listeriosis, along with steps that address prevention.

While anyone who eats cheese made from unpasteurized milk can be affected by listeriosis, health officials are particularly concerned about high-risk groups, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, pregnant women are 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to contract listeriosis.

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