NHS.UK has been updated with the information for pregnant and vulnerable individuals to reflect the risk of listeriosis from smoked fish by amending the ‘foods to avoid in pregnancy’ webpage, as well as the webpage on ‘listeriosis’, which also includes details on specific actions people can take when handling, storing and preparing foods to reduce their risk of listeriosis.

L. monocytogenes is an uncommon cause of food poisoning. The presentation can range
from asymptomatic infection, or mild gastroenteritis to severe sepsis or meningoencephalitis
in people aged over 65, those who are, immunocompromised and those with underlying
systemic illness like liver or renal disease. Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and still births
in pregnant individuals who may be asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms of listeriosis.
New-born babies may acquire perinatal infection including neonatal sepsis and meningitis.

L. monocytogenes can be spread through consumption of contaminated food. The best way
for patients in vulnerable groups to protect themselves is to follow the guidance on what
foods should be avoided and what foods should be handled with care, and to follow advice
on appropriate handling, storage and preparation of foods