A recent NHS listeria outbreak has claimed the lives of three patients, with the dessert identified as the source of infection. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been investigating five linked cases, including one in Wales, involving listeria infection known as listeriosis. This infection can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, aches, and a high temperature. The cases occurred between May and December last year, affecting patients aged between 68 and 89, all with underlying health conditions and hospitalized at the time of infection. Tragically, one death has been directly attributed to listeria, while the other two patients were known to have the infection at the time of their passing.
The UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have been collaborating to determine the cause of the outbreak. The specific strain of listeria has been traced back to a particular type of dessert, namely a chocolate and vanilla mousse and a strawberry and vanilla mousse supplied by Cool Delight Desserts. Although the level of listeria found in these desserts is below the legal tolerance for healthy individuals, a product recall has been issued due to the desserts being supplied to hospitals and care homes where vulnerable individuals receive care. All the affected desserts were manufactured at the same location.
In response to the situation, a product withdrawal has been initiated by the manufacturer of Cool Delight Desserts. Public Health Wales, in conjunction with the UKHSA and the FSA, is actively working to identify the source of the listeria cases found in these dessert products supplied to some NHS trusts. As a precautionary measure, the implicated product has been removed from NHS hospitals to prevent further exposure to vulnerable individuals who may be at higher risk of severe illness due to listeriosis.
Listeriosis can manifest with mild symptoms or even be asymptomatic in most individuals, but it poses a significant risk to those who are severely immunocompromised, elderly, or pregnant. Severe cases can lead to conditions such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis. As investigations continue to determine the cause of contamination, the local authorities are collaborating with the business involved to take necessary actions to safeguard public health. Information shared by the West Midlands Care Association highlights a broader FSA alert concerning the recall of various dessert products from Cool Delight Desserts, including ice cream, ice cream rolls, mousses, and yoghurts, pending ongoing investigations.
In the wake of this listeria outbreak, health authorities are actively monitoring the situation and urging caution among the public, especially those who may have consumed the affected dessert products. The need for vigilance and adherence to health and safety protocols in food production and distribution remains paramount to prevent such incidents in the future. Public awareness and quick responses from relevant agencies are essential to ensure the protection of public health and the prevention of further outbreaks. As investigations progress, it is crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate transparently to identify the root cause and implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.