Deadly bug 'is not from kitchens'

The bug is sometimes found in pate, sandwiches and cooked meats

A health trust has said it is confident a listeriosis outbreak which contributed to three deaths did not come from its kitchens.

An investigation is under way to find out how the listeria bug got into the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Belfast Health and Social Trust said five patients were confirmed as suffering from listeriosis. Three who were ill with other conditions, died.

The trust said the bug "had contributed to the deaths".

It added, however, that "any risk to the wider community was small" and all the families had been contacted.

The deputy medical director of the Belfast Health Trust, Kathy Jack, said: "We know that our kitchens are clean and that our food management systems are robust within the trust, and they are regularly inspected by environmental health officers.

"We have taken the precaution of removing the high risk foods from the ward areas and our canteens while we conduct the investigation into the possible source."

Dr Philip Donaghy from the Eastern Health Board speaking about the outbreak

Listeriosis is caused by a common bug sometimes found in foodstuffs such as pate, soft cheeses, sandwiches and cooked meats.

In normally fit and healthy people it can lead to short-term and self-limiting illness with symptoms such as mild fever and diarrhoea.

It can, however, cause more serious illness in people who are already ill from other causes, and among pregnant women.

Investigation

As a precautionary measure, some foods have been removed from patient menus in the Royal and other hospitals managed by the trust.

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is leading the investigation with support from a range of expert agencies.

The trust said cases of serious illness caused by listeria remain very rare and it was investigating all possible causes, including external sources.

Relatives and patients are being asked not to bring food into the hospital and to only consume food provided to them on the wards at mealtimes by hospital staff.

A trust information line, 0800 9801100, will remain open between 0900 and 1700 BST until further notice.