Three deaths and two additional illnesses have been reported in Kansas from a possible contamination of Blue Bell Creameries’ products, health experts said.

The products have been contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said in a release. And eating contaminated products may lead to an infection called listeriosis.

Listeriosis primarily affects the elderly, pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakend immune systems, the release said. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.

Symptons typically begin between three and 70 days after ingesting the bacteria, the release said.

Potentially contaminated products have been pulled from retail locations, the release said. And anyone with leftover and unconsumed products is advised to throw them away.

Contaminated items may include the following:

• Chocolate Chip Country Cookie
• Great Divide Bar
• Sour Pop Green Apple Bar
• Cotton Candy Bar
• Scoops
• Vanilla Stick Slices
• Almond Bar
• No Sugar Added Mooo Bar (regular Mooo Bars are not included)

Those who believe they may have contracted an illness should contact their health care provider, the release said.

Further information can be found at www.cdc.gov/listeria