National Reference Center (NRC) for Listeria monocytogenes

Important message: Increase in the number of cases of Listeriosis (18/07/2024) 

At the end of 2023-beginning of 2024, an increase in the number of cases of listeriosis was observed in Belgium. This increase was due to an epidemic, and continued detection in collaboration with the FASFC made it possible to identify contaminated pork as the source of the epidemic. The FASFC has contacted the companies concerned to take action and ensure follow-up. The last case of this epidemic strain was identified between humans at the beginning of March.

Listeriosis is a serious disease mainly affecting people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly. Symptoms range from fever, muscle pain, and nausea to more serious complications such as meningitis and blood poisoning. Products that carry an increased risk of Listeria contamination often include foods that are kept at refrigerator temperature for extended periods and/or foods that are not heated before consumption (soft cheeses, raw milk, and its products, smoked fish, insufficiently heated meats such as pâté and ham, pre-cut salads). Persons at increased risk are encouraged to avoid these foods or heat them thoroughly before consumption.

Helpful links:

At the bottom of this page, you can find the NRC reports.

For more information on this pathogen (e.g. the corresponding epidemiological surveillance reports), please consult the following page: Health topic Listeriosis.