(CNN) — Six people have died due to a multistate outbreak of listeria linked to recalled prepared pasta meals sold at major grocery chains, including Albertsons, Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market and Trader Joe’s.

The warning by federal health officials noted at least 27 reported cases of infection across 18 states, and health officials said that a pregnant woman lost her fetus after becoming ill.

I wanted to know more about listeria contamination and why it’s dangerous. What symptoms should people watch for, and how is the infection diagnosed and treated? Who is most at risk for severe illness, and what foods are most often linked to outbreaks like this one? And as we head into the holiday season, what can people do to reduce their chances of getting sick from foodborne bacteria?

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