People in vulnerable groups have been urgently cautioned about certain food items after an outbreak of listeriosis was linked to 28 fatalities.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that cases of this rare infection climbed nearly a fifth compared to pre-pandemic levels, with 179 instances noted across England and Wales in 2024, including an alarming 28 deaths.
The bacterial infection can be contracted through consumption of contaminated foods such as soft cheeses, pate, smoked fish, pre-sliced cold meats, pre-prepared fruit and other chilled ready-to-eat items, the health agency warned.
Typical symptoms may present as fever, muscular aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, something the NHS has documented, and these symptoms could lead to severe consequences for those at greatest risk.
Particularly susceptible are the elderly, newborns, expectant mothers, and individuals with compromised immune systems, highlighted by the UKHSA.
Vanessa Wong, a Consultant in gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: “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.”
Wong concluded her advice with recommendations for prevention. She said: “The best way to prevent listeriosis is to practise good food hygiene and avoid high-risk foods if you are in a vulnerable group.”
The NHS has also pointed out other high-risk items such as pre-packed sandwiches and salads, pre-sliced fruit, and dairy items produced with unpasteurised milk, reports the Express.
The NHS site states: “These foods do not always contain listeria. If you have eaten them recently, you do not need to do anything unless you get symptoms of the infection.”
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