It is mild for many people, but for some it can be life-threatening
New data released on Thursday by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that there were 179 reported cases of listeriosis in England and Wales in 2024. The UKHSA explained that listeriosis is caused by listeria bacteria, typically contracted through the consumption of contaminated raw, chilled, or ready-to-eat foods.
While most people with listeriosis experience no symptoms or mild gastroenteritis, it can lead to severe illnesses in older individuals, those with compromised immune systems, or those with underlying chronic conditions. Pregnant women infected with listeria risk miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infections in newborns.
The 179 cases reported in 2024 are similar to the previous year’s figures (177 cases in 2023), and align with pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. The latest data indicates that while listeriosis can affect all age groups, it poses a significantly higher risk to vulnerable populations, particularly those aged 80 and over.
Of the 28 deaths reported among 142 non-pregnancy cases, 12 were individuals aged 80 years and over. Pregnancy-associated infections accounted for roughly one-fifth of all cases, with 43.7% resulting in stillbirth or miscarriage where outcomes were known.
In terms of regional distribution, London had the highest levels of listeriosis (0.39 cases per 100,000 population), while the East of England recorded the lowest (0.23 cases per 100,000 population).
Vanessa Wong, a consultant in gastrointestinal infections at UK Health Security Agency, has issued a statement on the risks of listeriosis, noting: “Listeriosis is a rare infection and most people only experience mild symptoms of gastroenteritis that usually pass within a few days without the need for treatment.
“However, severe listeriosis is more likely to affect the elderly, very young babies, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system.”
She advised on prevention, saying: “The best way to prevent listeriosis is to practise good food hygiene and avoid high-risk foods if you are in a vulnerable group. Foods that carry a greater risk of listeria include soft cheeses, pâté, smoked fish, chilled sliced meats and other chilled ready-to-eat products.”
Those at higher risk from severe listeria infection include:
- Elderly people (risk increases with age)
- Those with malignancies or undergoing immunosuppressive or cytotoxic treatments
- Pregnant women and their unborn or newborn infants
- Organ transplant recipients
- People with chronic kidney and liver diseases
- Those with uncontrolled diabetes, HIV, alcohol dependency or iron overload
In most people, listeriosis has no symptoms or only causes mild symptoms for a few days, such as:
- a high temperature
- aches and pains
- chills
- feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea
UKHSA added: “If you’re pregnant, you may also have a stomach ache or notice your baby moving less than usual. For advice on avoiding listeriosis during pregnancy or if you are in a high-risk group, please visit the NHS website at Listeriosis – NHS.
“In 2024, UKHSA investigated seven listeriosis outbreaks across England and Wales, linked to various food products including smoked fish, chocolate/strawberry mousse, garlic sausage and prepacked sandwiches.”