Three hospital patients have died after contracting listeria in NHS hospitals, raising concerns of a fatal outbreak.
Five people have now fallen ill in hospital, with three patients dying as a result of the bacteria.
Officials from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) are concerned the patients contracted the infection caused by listeria, called listeriosis, after eating a dessert served to them in hospital between May and December 2024.
What is listeriosis and what causes it?
Listeriosis is a rare infection caused by listeria and it is usually caught from eating food that contains the bacteria.
It mainly occurs in chilled ready-to-eat foods deli foods, such as smoked fish and shellfish, sliced meats, soft cheeses, sandwiches, fruit, and unpasteurised milk.
The bacteria thrives in cold temperatures, hence why it can be found in chilled foods.
The World Health Organization (WHO) described it as “one of the most serious and severe foodborne diseases.”
However, it can be treated, particularly in developed nations.
It is a relatively rare illness in the UK, and in 2021 - the most recent data - there were only 160 recorded cases, according to Gov.uk.
What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
Some of the most common symptoms of listeriosis include:
- High temperature
- Aches and pains
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Nausea
Is listeriosis serious?
Listeriosis isn’t always serious, but some people are at a higher risk of developing serious problems, such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis.
These at-risk groups include pregnant women, newborn babies, people aged 65 or over, people with a weakened immune system, and those with uncontrolled diabetes.
When to seek treatment for listeriosis
People in the aforementioned at-risk groups should contact the NHS on 111 if they think they have listeriosis.
They should call 999 or go to A&E if they have any of the following more severe symptoms:
- have a severe headache and stiff neck
- find it uncomfortable to look at bright lights
- have a fit (seizures)
- feel suddenly confused
- feel very sleepy or difficult to wake
- have a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it — the rash may be blotchy, like bruises or small, red pinpricks
These could be symptoms of meningitis caused by listeriosis.
For further information, visit the NHS site.
