Many people are worried by a recent recall of Blue Bell ice cream products. The recall by the Texas-based company came last month after three deaths at a Kansas hospital were linked to ice cream contaminated with listeria bacteria.

An investigation into the matter found that the food-borne illness was linked to a production line in Brenham, Texas. A second line at a plant in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was also later found to have an association with the illness.

In the wake of the recall of Blue Bell ice cream products over fears of listeria infection, some grocery stores, like HEB and United, also removed Blue Bell ice cream products from their shelves.

“Listeria is a type of bacteria that can actually affect the gut. It usually affects more immune compromised patients, or patients who are pregnant and it can come with some pretty serious severe symptoms”, said Dr. Luis Olivas, a doctor at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Olivas said that it is very uncommon to come across incidences of contaminated food. Fruits, vegetables or unwashed food give rise to contaminated food. It can also come from cooked meats, beefs, poultry or fish due to lack of cooking or improper storing.

In order to warn consumers about the recall, signs have been posted by the United Supermarket on Judge Ely. Experts have said that one in five people who suffers from listeria infection dies. People with compromised immune system and pregnant women are at the highest risk of suffering from listeria-associated diseases. The symptoms of the disease are fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal problems etc.

Listeria is found in soil and water and can be easily carried by animals. It is also commonly found in unpasteurized cheeses and unpasteurized. In a 2011 outbreak of listeria, 30 people were killed.