- New data from the UKHSA shows there have been 45 more E Coli infections
At least 86 people have now been hospitalized in an E. coli outbreak linked to lettuce, although cases are slowing, health officials said.
New data from the UK’s Health Safety Agency shows that 45 more cases of E. coli infection have been reported as of June 18, bringing the total number of confirmed cases across the UK since the outbreak to 256.
All those affected first developed symptoms before May 31.
UKHSA said: “Although the number of cases has now slowed, we expect this number to rise as NHS laboratories send samples to UKHSA for genomic sequencing which may link cases to this focal strain.”
A number of food manufacturers have recalled sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major supermarkets and retail chains over fears they are linked to the outbreak.
The Food Standards Agency said lettuce used in the products was considered the likely source of the outbreak.
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All reported cases involve Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145 (Stec).
Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said: “Several sandwich manufacturers have now taken precautionary measures to recall and recall a variety of sandwiches, wraps, pads and rolls as the food chain and epidemiological links have enabled us to narrow down the wide range. from the foods consumed to the small number of lettuce leaves that were used in these products.
“This remains a complex investigation and we continue to work closely with the relevant businesses and local authorities to ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect consumers.
“While we are confident that the source of the outbreak is related to a small number of lettuce leaves, which we identified early on through extensive food chain analysis, work continues to identify the root cause of the outbreak with growers, suppliers and manufacturers. that steps can be taken to prevent recurrence.
“We will remain vigilant until the root cause of the outbreak is confirmed and will keep an open mind about possible causes of the outbreak.”
E. coli is a diverse group of bacteria that are normally harmless and live in the intestines of humans and animals.
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However, some strains produce toxins that can make people very ill, such as Stec.
People infected with Stec can suffer from diarrhoea, and about 50% of cases have bloody diarrhoea.
Other symptoms include stomach cramps and fever.
Symptoms can last up to two weeks in uncomplicated cases.
Some patients, especially children, may develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a serious life-threatening condition leading to kidney failure.
A small proportion of adults may develop a similar condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
Streptococcus is often transmitted by eating contaminated food, but it can also be spread by close contact with an infected person, as well as direct contact with an infected animal or where it lives.
People are advised to call NHS 111 or contact their GP if they are concerned about a child under 12 months, a child stops breastfeeding or bottle-feeding when they are ill, a child under five has signs of dehydration such as less wet diapers, and if older children or adults still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration pouches.
Help should also be sought if people are ill and unable to keep fluids down, have bloody or bloody diarrhoea, have diarrhea for more than seven days, or vomit for more than two days.