Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows Listeria infections rose slightly in 2023 and seven outbreaks were investigated. In 2023, 177 listeriosis cases were reported in England and Wales compared to 167 in 2022. This is the highest level since 180 infections were noted in 2016.
For non-pregnancy-associated cases, death was reported for 32 people, of whom 11 had listeriosis recorded as a cause of death on the death certificate. National surveillance of the disease in England and Wales is coordinated by the Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division at UKHSA, with support from Public Health Wales. Incidence rates were highest in people aged 80 and over.
The number of infections was similar in men and women, but for the age groups 20 to 29 and 30 to 39, reported cases among women were higher, as pregnancy-associated listeriosis occurs most commonly in these groups. Of 36 cases in the 20 to 29, 30 to 39, and 40 to 49 age groups, 26 were female, of which 22 were associated with pregnancy. A total of 29 cases were pregnancy associated, which was comparable to previous years.
Of these, 69 percent resulted in live births, 6.9 percent in still births, 13.8 percent in miscarriage, and in 10.
3 percent the outcome was unknown. Incidence varied geographically, with the lowest in Wales and the highest in the South West. Four infections were recorded in Wales while London and the South East had the joint highest with 29 each.
Four solved outbreaks There .