This is the dessert linked to NHS listeria outbreak that has killed three patients

This is the dessert linked to the NHS listeria outbreak that has killed three patients. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it has been investigating five linked cases, including one in Wales, of listeria infection (listeriosis), which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, aches and pains, and a high temperature.

All five people suffered listeriosis between May and December last year with the UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) working to identify the cause. One of the people who died has had their death attributed to listeria. The other two were known to be infected with listeriosis at the time of their death. The five patients were aged between 68 and 89. All had underlying health conditions and were in hospital at the time of infection.

Two were from Yorkshire and Humber, one was from the north-west of England, another case was in the West Midlands and one occurred in Wales. The UKHSA has found a match for the outbreak strain in a particular type of dessert.

It is understood the bacteria was detected in a chocolate and vanilla mousse and a strawberry and vanilla mousse both supplied by Cool Delight Desserts. The threshold of listeria found in the desserts is known to be below the legal threshold of what healthy people can tolerate, the PA news agency understands.

However because the desserts are supplied to hospitals and care homes where vulnerable people are cared for and treated, a product recall has been issued. The manufacturer of Cool Delight Desserts told PA it was unable to comment at this stage. All the desserts are known to have been manufactured at the same site.

A Public Health Wales spokesman said: "Public Health Wales is working with partners including the UK Health Security Agency and the Food Standards Agency to identify the source of a small number of cases of listeria found in dessert products supplied in some NHS trusts. While the source of the cases has not yet been confirmed as a precaution the affected product is not being served in NHS hospitals. Most people who are affected by listeriosis will have no symptoms or experience mild diarrhoea which subsides in a few days. Those who are more vulnerable like the severely immunocompromised or those with advanced aged can be at risk of severe illness such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis. Listeriosis in pregnancy can cause very serious illness in mothers and their babies and in babies up to one month old.”

Tina Potter, head of incidents at the FSA, said: "The desserts potentially linked to the reported illness are currently being removed from the supply chain. The food business that supplied the products are undertaking a product withdrawal as a precaution. The cause of contamination is being investigated, and the local authority is working with the business to ensure appropriate action is taken to protect public health."

Information on the West Midlands Care Association homepage said it had received an FSA alert about Cool Delight Desserts products for the recall of all ice cream, ice cream rolls, mousses, and yoghurts. It said these "products must all be withdrawn from service and placed in quarantine while investigations are ongoing".