Research and analysis

Listeriosis and high risk groups

Listeriosis usually presents as self-limiting gastroenteritis but invasive listeriosis is a concern for high risk groups such as the elderly and pregnant women.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 27 July 2023
• Last updated: 27 July 2023 — See all updates

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Smoked fish and risk of listeriosis in high risk groups, including pregnancy and the immunocompromised

Ref: GOV-15156

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Listeriosis is predominately a foodborne disease, usually presenting as self-limiting gastroenteritis occurring after consumption of contaminated ready-to-eat foods. However, the risk of invasive listeriosis in high risk groups has been widely recognised. These include the elderly, immunocompromised, and pregnant women.

A review of the evidence suggests that smoked fish is a high risk product for invasive listeriosis in the UK in vulnerable groups, although the overall risk to the population remains low.

Precautionary dietary advice is available on NHS.UK for:

• Listeriosis
• Foods to avoid in pregnancy

See also the Food Standards Agency website for further advice.

Published 27 July 2023
Last updated 27 July 2023 + show all updates

1. 27 July 2023

   Correction to number of cases for incident 6 in Table 1.

2. 27 July 2023

   First published.