A newborn in the U.S. state of New Mexico died after developing a severe Listeria monocytogenes infection, an outcome that public health officials say is likely linked to the mother’s consumption of raw, unpasteurized milk during pregnancy. The case has prompted renewed warnings from health authorities about the dangers of consuming unpasteurized dairy products, particularly among pregnant women.
The death occurred in early 2026 in New Mexico. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the infant was diagnosed with listeriosis shortly after birth. Epidemiological findings suggested that the mother had consumed raw milk while pregnant, making it the most probable source of infection, although officials stated that a definitive causal link could not be established.
Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of severe illness from Listeria infection. In pregnancy, listeriosis may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, or serious neonatal infection. Notably, pregnant women may experience only mild or non-specific symptoms, while fetal or neonatal consequences can be severe.1
Raw milk has not undergone pasteurization, a heat-treatment process that kills harmful bacteria. As a result, it can carry pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Brucella, and Escherichia coli. Scientific evidence shows that pasteurization does not significantly reduce the nutritional value of milk but substantially lowers the risk of foodborne illness.1
Listeria is of particular concern because it can survive and multiply at refrigeration temperatures. Once ingested, the bacterium may enter the bloodstream and cross the placenta, infecting the fetus even when maternal illness appears mild.
Health officials reported the case in February 2026, following laboratory confirmation of Listeria infection in the newborn. Infection typically occurs after consuming contaminated food. In pregnancy, the bacterium can spread through the maternal bloodstream to the placenta, leading to fetal or neonatal infection.
In the official warning, Jeff M. Witte, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture, cautioned the public saying,
New Mexico’s dairy producers work hard to provide safe, wholesome products and pasteurization is a vital part of that process. Consumers, particularly those at higher risk, are encouraged to choose pasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of serious foodborne illness.Jeff M. Witte, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture
Following the incident, New Mexico health authorities issued an advisory warning residents, especially pregnant women, to avoid raw milk and products made from unpasteurized milk. Similar warnings have been echoed by medical experts and public health agencies, who emphasize that no proven health benefits of raw milk outweigh its documented risks.
According to Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH),
Individuals who are pregnant should only consume pasteurized milk products to help prevent illnesses and deaths in newborns.Dr. Chad Smelser, Deputy State Epidemiologist for the New Mexican Department of Health (NMDOH)
Doctors and public health agencies recommend consuming only pasteurized milk and dairy products, carefully checking food labels, and following standard food safety practices. These measures significantly reduce the risk of listeriosis and other foodborne infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.
The New Mexico case reinforces long-standing scientific and public health guidance regarding raw milk consumption. Evidence from clinical and epidemiological studies consistently shows that unpasteurized dairy products pose preventable risks, especially during pregnancy. Health officials continue to stress that pasteurized alternatives provide the same nutritional value without the added danger of serious infection.
1. Committee on Infectious Diseases; Committee on Nutrition; American Academy of Pediatrics. Consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk and milk products by pregnant women and children. Pediatrics. 2014 Jan;133(1):175-9. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-3502. Epub 2013 Dec 16. PMID: 24344105.
2. New Mexico Department of Health. 2026. “Health Department Warns Against Consuming Raw Dairy Products.” NMHealth.org, February 3, 2026.