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Listeriosis and salmonella: red alert for health in Europe!
The article highlights the rising listeria infections in the EU and their connection to the older population. Current health spending and zoonoses are also discussed.
Listeriosis and salmonella: red alert for health in Europe!
The number of cases of Listeria infection in the EU has increased alarmingly, reaching the highest level since 2007 with 2,952 cases reported between 2019 and 2023. The aging population is particularly contributing to this increase, with 21.3% of Europeans now over 65 years old. This age group is at particularly high risk of severe symptoms and chronic illnesses, highlighting the importance of monitoring foodborne illnesses. As the EFSA reported, cold-smoked salmon, meat products and dairy products are among the most common sources of infection.
Additionally, 148,181 cases of campylobacteriosis and 77,486 cases of salmonellosis were reported in 2023. The decline in Member States that have achieved their targets for reducing Salmonella in poultry, from 19 last year to just 15, shows that there is still a need for action. Frank Verdonck, head of EFSA's biological hazards unit, emphasizes the need for constant vigilance. Reported at the same time Statista, that for 70 percent of Germans, health is the most important issue in their lives, which underlines how central the issue is for society.
Increasing health spending in Germany
In view of these health challenges, health spending in Germany is also increasing, which already amounted to over 497 billion euros in 2022. This corresponds to around 12.8% of the total gross domestic product (GDP) and is an increase of over 130% since the turn of the millennium. Demographic change, particularly the increase in the number of older people, is leading to an increased burden on the healthcare system. Diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes occur more frequently in older people. Of particular concern is the rise in mental illness, which has increased by 56.5% in recent years. The prevalence of depression is 15.6% in women and 9.3% in men.
The influence of factors such as stress and lack of exercise on health is becoming increasingly clear. According to Statista surveys, only 38% of people who experience frequent stress describe their health as good, while the figure is 60% of people who are less stressed. Global warming is also highlighted as a future health factor, with 26% of the population already reporting health problems caused by heat. These developments highlight the urgent need for comprehensive health promotion measures in Germany and beyond.