Overview of the ‌2024 Listeriosis Increase

Europe is facing a growing concern related ‌to⁣ listeriosis, ‍an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which is proving to be ⁢the most serious ⁣of food-borne diseases.According to the latest edition of⁢ the Zoonoses ⁣Report,published by the European food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Center for⁤ disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),2024‌ recorded ⁣the highest percentage of hospitalizations and deaths‍ associated with this pathology.

During 2024,3,041 cases of listeriosis have been confirmed across Europe. Even ⁢tho ‌the number is lower than other infections, the clinical impact⁢ is particularly severe: over⁤ 56% of patients (approximately 1,700 ⁢people) ⁤required hospitalization, and 301 patients (10%⁢ of the total) died. Thes data, even though partial ​due to the lack‌ of complete details for 42% of infections,‍ indicate ‍a very high severity. Considering only cases with a known clinical ⁤history, the percentage of‍ hospitalizations rises to 97%, while ​that of deaths reaches 15%, highlighting the particular danger of Listeria for vulnerable subjects.

Italy ​is also among the ‌countries most affected by this phenomenon,with⁣ 238 cases of listeriosis and eight ⁣outbreaks confirmed in 2024,in line with the European trend. The increase⁤ in infections is ​evident, going‍ from 1,887 cases in⁢ 2020 to ​over 3,000 in 2024, a signal ⁣that requires constant attention and⁣ effective preventive measures.

Risk Factors and Critical Issues in the Food Sector

EFSA‌ and ECDC attribute⁣ the increase in listeriosis cases‍ to a‍ combination​ of factors.The aging of⁢ the European population makes severe forms more frequent⁤ among the elderly and‌ people ⁢with⁢ compromised immune systems.changes are observed in eating habits, with an ever-increasing consumption of ready-to-eat foods.These products, if not‍ stored or handled correctly, both domestically and industrially, are more exposed to the risk of contamination from Listeria.

Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe listeriosis. These‍ include:

• Pregnant women: Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, ⁤or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
• Newborns: Infants are particularly susceptible to severe illness.
• Elderly individuals: As the population ages, the number of‍ individuals with weakened⁤ immune systems increases.
• People with weakened immune systems: Individuals undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and those with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk.

Common sources of Listeria Contamination