E. coli advice issued amid rise in cases
The increase of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) cases in the UK lately is currently being looked into by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) along with public health agencies in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
The presence of STEC bacteria in your body can lead to bloody diarrhoea and sometimes more severe problems. It's usually spread through eating contaminated food, but it can also affect you through close contact with someone who has it or by being in touch with an infected animal or its surroundings.
The investigation found out that the cases in this outbreak belong to one group based on the whole genome sequencing of the samples. Since it has affected people in many different areas, it is highly possible that a food item distributed throughout the country or multiple food items caused the outbreak. There is still no confirmed source of the outbreak but the investigations have ruled out open farms, drinking water or swimming in contaminated seawater, lakes or rivers as potential causes. Public health agencies are working together with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland to carry out further investigations.
Since 25 May 2024, a total of 113 people in the UK have been confirmed as having contracted STEC O145. This outbreak is currently ongoing as of 4 June.
Normally, we observe approximately 1,500 incidents of STEC during a whole year. It is expected that the amount of verified cases involved in this epidemic will increase once additional samples undergo complete genome sequencing.
The illness has affected people ranging in age from two years old to 79 years old, but most of the cases have occurred in young adults. Currently, there have been 81 reported cases of this illness in England. Out of those cases, 61 individuals have given details about what they ate, places they traveled to, and any potential exposures to the illness. From this information, it is known that 61% of these cases have led to hospitalizations.
Although it's not yet clear where this outbreak originated from, there are measures you can implement to minimize your chances of getting gastrointestinal infections and to prevent infecting others:
According to Trish Mannes, who is the Incident Director at UKHSA, she stated that:
STE infections can cause intense and occasionally bloody diarrhea, stomach aches, retching, and high temperature. To avoid transmitting it to close ones, there are various precautions to be taken in case of vomiting and diarrhea. You can learn more about what actions to take if you experience symptoms and when it's appropriate to seek medical aid by visiting NHS.UK.
If you want to prevent infections from spreading, you should wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water. Also, it is important to use disinfectants to clean surfaces. In case you are suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting, it is better not to prepare food for others. Moreover, it is best to avoid going to hospitals or care homes since you could pass on the infection to people who are vulnerable to it. You should not go back to work, school or nursery until your symptoms have completely disappeared and it has been 48 hours since they stopped.
In his statement, Darren Whitby, who is responsible for managing incidents and ensuring the organisation's resilience, expressed his views.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is collaborating with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and related public health organizations to determine the origin of the sickness. It is believed to be associated with one or multiple food products.
We recommend that people who handle and prepare food, as well as those who care for vulnerable individuals, practice good hygiene habits. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water and cleaning all equipment, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with food thoroughly to prevent any chance of cross contamination.
It is not advisable to cook meals for anyone if you have experienced symptoms of an illness or until two full days have passed symptom-free. Our website provides more detailed information on superior hygiene practices such as the 4c's, as well as essential data on E. coli.
According to Jim McMenamin, who is in charge of protecting people's health from infections at Public Health Scotland, stated that...
We recommend that people wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before cooking, to prevent the spread of infections like E. coli. It's also important to clean any surfaces that might be contaminated with disinfectants. If someone experiences severe digestive symptoms like painful stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever, it's essential that they contact their GP or call 111 for advice. Furthermore, individuals who are affected by diarrhea or vomiting should refrain from attending events such as school, work, or social gatherings for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.
According to Wendi Shepherd, a specialist in Health Protection for Public Health Wales,
The authorities of Public Health Wales are collaborating with different organizations in the United Kingdom and other healthcare providers in Wales to analyze this matter. So far, there have been 18 recorded cases within the region and healthcare facilities have been informed of this occurrence. If you or anyone you know have symptoms of bloody diarrhoea or severe stomach pains, it is recommended that you seek medical help.
If you need medical advice, you can call NHS 111 or reach out to your general practitioner's office.
If you need guidance, you can turn to 111 for assistance. They have the ability to set up a conversation with a medical professional, such as a nurse or doctor, if necessary.
As the investigation process progresses, more details and suggestions will be shared. It's not always possible to pinpoint the origin of an outbreak, especially when the products responsible have already been taken out of the supply chain.
Medical professionals have received notice of the surge in instances and have been reminded of the instructions for treating patients.
Cows, sheep, and other animals can carry STEC. This harmful bacterium can be transmitted to humans through:
Blog on NHS UK website: Diarrhea and throwing up As a patient, experiencing diarrhea and throwing up can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. It is essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for these conditions. Diarrhea occurs when the body expels watery stool frequently, while throwing up is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. These conditions can be caused by several factors such as food poisoning, viral or bacterial infections, or a reaction to medication. Symptoms may also vary, ranging from mild to severe. A mild case of diarrhea can cause stomach discomfort or bloating, while severe cases can lead to dehydration and other complications. Treatment options may differ depending on the cause and severity. However, it is always recommended to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter medication to manage the symptoms. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist or are severe. In conclusion, diarrhea and throwing up are common symptoms that can arise from several causes. It is essential to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options to manage these conditions effectively.
Scotland's NHS Inform provides guidance for individuals experiencing symptoms of diarrhoea or gastroenteritis.
Advice on STEC: signs, ways to prevent, methods of cure.
