Wales confirms 18 UK E. coli cases linked to 'nationally distributed food'

More than 100 people across the UK have been infected with the E. coli bug in the past few weeks, which is believed to be linked to food distributed across the country.

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), along with public health authorities in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is investigating a rise in cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) across the UK.

As of 4 June 2024, 18 cases have been confirmed in Wales, with a total of 113 cases reported across the UK.

The cases have been confirmed since May 25, 2024, with 81 in England, 13 in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland, most likely infected during a visit to the UK.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause severe, bloody diarrhea and in some cases more serious complications.

The infection is often spread through contaminated food, but can also be spread through close contact with an infected person or direct contact with an infected animal or its environment.

Wendi Shepherd, public health health protection consultant for Wales, said: “Public Health Wales is working with partners across the NHS in England and Wales to investigate this incident.

There have now been 18 confirmed cases in Wales, and healthcare providers have been notified of the increase. Anyone who experiences bloody diarrhea or severe stomach cramps is recommended to seek medical attention.

Trish Mannes, incident officer at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of hygiene. Symptoms of STEC infection include severe, sometimes bloody, diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever.

If you have diarrhea and vomiting, you can take steps to prevent the spread to your family and friends.

NHS.UK has information on what to do if you have symptoms and when to seek medical advice.

Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectant to clean surfaces can help prevent the spread of infection.

Do not prepare food for others and avoid visiting hospitals or nursing homes until 48 hours after your symptoms stop.

Darren Whitby, incident and recovery lead at the Food Standards Agency, commented on the ongoing investigation: The FSA is working with UKHSA and relevant public health agencies to identify causes of illness that may be linked to one or more foods.

We always advise consumers and those caring for vulnerable people to take precautions by following good hygiene practices when handling and preparing food, washing hands regularly with soap and warm water, and thoroughly cleaning equipment, utensils and surfaces that come into contact with food. do. Cross contamination.

According to the UKHSA, there are typically around 1,500 cases of STEC each year in the UK.

The current outbreak, confirmed through whole genome sequencing, represents a single source, possibly a food item distributed nationwide.

Despite widespread geographic spread, the exact cause of the outbreak has not yet been confirmed and investigations are ongoing.

Health agencies urge anyone who experiences bloody diarrhea or severe stomach cramps to seek medical attention.

precautions

Health officials are advising the public to follow these steps to reduce the risk of infection:

Hand hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap. Alcohol gel does not kill all bugs that cause diarrhea. Food Safety: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and cook food properly. Quarantine: If you experience diarrhea or vomiting, do not prepare food for others and avoid visiting hospitals or nursing homes. Do not return to work, school, or childcare until 48 hours after your symptoms stop. Did you discover something? Do you have a story? Send Facebook Message | Send a direct message on Twitter | email: [email protected]

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