**Public Health Warning Issued After Listeria Infection Claims 28 Lives**
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised concern following the release of new figures showing that listeriosis, a rare but potentially fatal infection, was responsible for the deaths of 28 people across England and Wales in 2024. The agency’s recent report records a total of 179 confirmed listeriosis cases last year, a slight increase from the 177 cases reported in 2023. The statistics represent a return to pre-pandemic levels and have reignited discussions on the importance of food safety, especially for vulnerable individuals.
Listeriosis is caused by the *listeria monocytogenes* bacteria, which can be found in contaminated food products, particularly those that are raw, chilled, or ready-to-eat. While most healthy adults either do not develop symptoms or only experience mild illness, authorities warn that the infection carries much greater risks for specific groups. Those particularly vulnerable include the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems, and people with underlying health conditions.
Among the 142 listeriosis cases not involving pregnancy, 28 deaths were reported, with individuals aged 80 and over comprising nearly half of those fatalities. Pregnancy-associated cases were of significant concern, with nearly 44% resulting in either stillbirth or miscarriage where the outcome was documented. These worrying figures highlight the devastating impact listeria can have within at-risk populations.
Regionally, London recorded the highest number of infections in England, with a reported rate of 0.39 cases per 100,000 people. In contrast, the East of England saw the lowest incidence, at 0.23 per 100,000. The UKHSA’s data points to both the consistency of listeriosis’ presence and the persistent vulnerability of certain groups, despite ongoing public health campaigns.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Vanessa Wong, consultant in gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, stated: “Listeriosis remains rare, and most people will experience little more than brief gastroenteritis, not requiring medical intervention. Nonetheless, the infection poses a grave threat to the elderly, newborns, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.” She emphasised the critical role of food hygiene in preventing illness, especially within vulnerable groups.
High-risk foods for listeria contamination include unpasteurised soft cheeses, pâté, smoked fish, chilled sliced meats, and other ready-to-eat chilled products. The UKHSA strongly recommends individuals in at-risk categories steer clear of these items and maintain rigorous standards of kitchen hygiene, such as thorough hand washing and correct storage of perishable goods.
Those who are most at risk from severe listeriosis infection have been identified as: elderly people, patients undergoing cancer treatments, transplant recipients, individuals with chronic kidney or liver disease, pregnant women, uncontrolled diabetics, those with HIV, and people with alcohol dependency or iron overload. Symptoms to watch for include high temperature, muscular aches, chills, vomiting, and diarrhoea, but in pregnant women, symptoms might also feature abdominal pain or decreased foetal movement.
In response to the threat, the UKHSA investigated seven distinct outbreaks in 2024, linking them to a range of contaminated foods including smoked fish, flavoured mousses, garlic sausage, and pre-packaged sandwiches. Advice and further information for pregnant women and those in high-risk groups can be found on the NHS website, under the section dedicated to listeriosis.
The ongoing presence of listeriosis in the UK underscores the requirement for continued vigilance in food manufacturing, supply, and personal handling, particularly with an ageing population and rising numbers of immunocompromised individuals. While most cases are mild, the severe consequences for susceptible groups remain a significant concern for health authorities and the public alike.