Prolonged multi-country outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes ST173 linked to consumption of fish products

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Source: ECDC Risk Assessments

Original: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/prolonged-multi-country-outbreak...

Published: Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:25:44 +0200

Between 2012 and 2024, a prolonged outbreak of infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes ST173 occurred in several European countries, affecting a total of 73 people in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom[4]. The outbreak was linked to the consumption of fish products, especially smoked salmon and other ready-made fish products[2]. 14 deaths and many hospitalizations were associated with this infection, with the elderly being the most affected[4]. The bacterium was detected in fish products originating from production in Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Russia[4]. Molecular analysis indicates that the strain has been widespread in the European fish production chain for several years and probably originated from a single original source in the upper part of the production chain[4]. The European authorities for food safety and disease prevention have emphasized the need for further investigations to identify the point of entry of the contamination and to put measures in place to prevent its recurrence[4].