Three people have died after a listeriosis outbreak linked to desserts supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed it is investigating five cases linked to listeriosis, which can cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, pain and high temperature.
All five people contracted listeriosis between May and December last year. UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are working to identify the source of the infections.
The death of one of the deceased was associated with listeriosis.
The other two were also known to have Listeria infections at the time of their death.
The UKHSA identified the strain causing the outbreak in a specific type of dessert.
The levels of listeria found in the dessert were below what is considered safe for healthy people, according to the PA news agency.
However, because the dessert is supplied to hospitals and nursing homes that care for more vulnerable populations, a product recall has been initiated.
The manufacturer of Cool Delight Desserts told PA it was unable to comment at this time.
Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director of enteric infections at UKHSA, said: “We are investigating a small number of cases of listeriosis.
“The cause of the outbreak has not yet been established.
“However, our laboratory tests have identified a possible link with a particular type of dessert that is not available in retail but is served in some NHS settings.
“In collaboration with the Food Standards Agency, we have advised NHS trusts and those caring for vulnerable groups to suspend the supply of these desserts until the investigation is complete.
“Most people with listeriosis have no symptoms or only mild diarrhea that goes away within a few days.
“People who are more vulnerable, such as those with severe immunodeficiency or the elderly, may be at risk of serious illnesses such as meningitis and potentially life-threatening sepsis.
“Listeriosis during pregnancy can cause very serious illness for both mothers and their babies, as well as for infants up to one month old.”
The West Midlands Care Association website says it has received a warning from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) regarding Cool Delight Desserts products, requiring them to recall all ice creams, ice cream rolls, mousses and yoghurts.
The statement said “all these products should be removed from circulation and quarantined while the investigation continues.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
