Overview:
UKHSA and partner agencies are investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes serotype 1/2a Clonal Complex (CC)20, linked to sandwiches supplied to NHS hospitals. This communication aims to inform health and social care professionals about the investigation.
Background:
- A cluster of two Listeria monocytogenes cases (serotype 1/2a CC20) was identified on 6th May 2024.
- Both cases, over 60 years old and immunocompromised, were exposed in NHS hospitals in the South East and London.
- Both patients consumed hospital sandwiches during the incubation period and have since passed away.
- The Listeria strains matched those found in a sandwich sampled on 9th April 2024 from a South West NHS hospital.
- Both hospitals received sandwiches from the same food business operator (FBO).
- Environmental sampling at the FBO identified ongoing contamination.
Actions Taken:
- The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and local authorities have advised the FBO to cease production and recall products.
- Communications regarding the removal of implicated products are being cascaded to NHS Trusts by the FBO and NHS England.
- The FBO will issue a recall notice to care homes and other affected settings.
Recommendations for UKHSA Regions:
- Reassure the public that the overall risk of listeriosis is low but higher for older individuals, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients.
- Direct public enquiries to the Listeria team at UKHSA.
- Advise unwell individuals to seek help via NHS111 or local health services.
Recommendations for UKHSA Sites and Services:
- Diagnostic labs should refer all Listeria monocytogenes isolates to the Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) at Colindale using the L4 referral form.
- NHS Trusts and testing labs should share food and environmental isolates found during surveillance with the GBRU using the L7 referral form.
Recommendations for NHS and Diagnostic Laboratories:
- NHS England will circulate specific communications to NHS Trusts regarding the removal of implicated products.
- Diagnostic labs should urgently refer all Listeria monocytogenes isolates to GBRU for typing.
- Microbiologists should share this information with relevant medical specialties, including Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics.