AN URGENT health warning has been issued to Scots after over a dozen people were rushed to hospital due to an E.coli outbreak.
An investigation has been launched after 113 people across the UK contracted the virus in recent weeks, leaving 37 people in hospital.
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The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that out of these cases, 13 are based in Scotland.
One case was reported in Northern Ireland, 18 were found in Wales and the remaining 81 were found in England.
The agency also confirmed that all of the cases have been reported since Saturday, May 25.
They added that they believe the source behind the outbreak is linked to a “nationally distributed food item” or “multiple food items”.
However, this has not yet been confirmed.
UKHSA added that there is currently no evidence linking the outbreak to open farms, drinking water or swimming in contaminated seawater, lakes or rivers.
The FSA is working with UKHSA and relevant Public Health bodies to identify the source of the illness
Darren Whitby
E.coli can be spread by eating contaminated foods or by coming into close contact with an infected person or animal.
All the cases involved in the outbreak involve Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145 (Stec).
Most people who contract the virus usually recover within two weeks, however, there can be more serious consequences for young children and older adults.
Some people can develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure.
While E.coli bacteria are generally harmless and live in the guts, some strains, including Stec, can produce toxins that can make people unwell.
Infections caused by Stec bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhoea and, in some cases, more serious complications.
Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland are now investigating the matter to work out where it has stemmed from.
Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents and Resilience at the FSA, said: “The FSA is working with UKHSA and relevant Public Health bodies to identify the source of the illness, which is likely to be linked to one or more food items.
E.coli Symptoms
Symptoms of infections with STEC include:
- Severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Fever.
If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends.
NHS.UK has information on what to do if you have symptoms and when to seek medical advice.
Call NHS 111 or contact your GP surgery if:
- you’re worried about a baby under 12 months
- your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
- a child under 5 years has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
- you or your child (over 5 years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- you or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days
111 will give you advice. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
“We always advise consumers and those looking after vulnerable people to ensure good hygiene practices are followed when handling and preparing food, regularly washing hands with soap and warm water and ensuring equipment, utensils and surfaces foods come into contact with are cleaned thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination.
“You should not prepare food for others if you have had symptoms, or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.”
Jim McMenamin, Head of Health Protection (infection Services), Public Health Scotland, said: “To help stop infections like E. coli from spreading, we advise regular hand washing using soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food.
“People should also use disinfectants to clean surfaces that may be contaminated.
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“Anyone experiencing severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever should call their GP or 111 to seek advice.
“Anyone with diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid attending places such as schools, workplaces or social gatherings until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased.”
Ho to prevent E.coli from spreading
CASES reported range in age from 2 years old to 79 years old, with the majority of cases in young adults.
While the source of this outbreak is currently unknown, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of gastrointestinal infections, as well as limiting the spread to others:
- Regularly wash your hands with warm water and soap — alcohol gels do not kill all bugs that cause diarrhoeal illness
- Follow food hygiene measures such as washing fruit and vegetables and cooking food properly
- If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you should not prepare food for others
- Avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes to avoid passing on the infection
- You should not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped