UK well being bosses’ E.coli warning as infections double and proceed to soar

British health experts have warned of surging E.coli cases across all the UK, and instances are likely to rise.

Nasty bug E.coli is ripping across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with reported cases doubling in just a few days.

Tuesday, June 11 saw 98 cases recorded, which rocketed to 211 by Friday, June 14 — and health bosses expect instances to continue to rise, reports The Express.

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England recorded the most cases, with 147 instances, while Scotland has seen 35 cases, Wales 27 and Northern Island has recorded 2. Of the 160 cases tested so far, and alarming 42% of them have sent the patient to hospital.

E.coli (STEC 0145) is a bacteria found in the lower intestine of animals. It can be transmitted to humans through eating contaminated foods, like raw or undercooked ground meat products, raw milk, and contaminated raw vegetables and sprouts, according to the World Health Organisation.

The bug can trigger severe symptoms, including bloody diarrhoea, cramping, vomiting and fever.

Trish Mannes, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: “We would like to thank all the cases who have provided information that has enabled us, through epidemiological analysis of questionnaire data and food tracing investigations, to narrow down the likely food product linked to this outbreak.

“Symptoms of infections with STEC include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. If you are unwell, have eaten salad leaves recently and are concerned about any symptoms, follow NHS.uk guidance on when to seek help and the steps you can take to avoid further spread to family and friends.”

She added: “While diarrhoea and vomiting can have a range of causes, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and risk of infecting others. Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces will help stop any further spread of infection.

“If you are unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting, you should not prepare food for others while unwell and avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.”

Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents at the FSA, said: “Sandwich manufacturers are taking a precautionary measure to recall various sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls in response to findings from investigations by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) who are working to identify the cause of an ongoing outbreak caused by shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC). The full list of products can be found in the product recall information notice (PRIN).

“This is a complex investigation, and we have worked swiftly with the relevant businesses and the local authorities concerned to narrow down the wide range of foods consumed to a small number of salad leaf products that have been used in sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls. Following thorough food chain analysis, these products are being recalled as a precaution.”

The BBC reports food manufactures are recalling at least 60 types of sandwiches, wraps and salads from major retailers, including Aldi, Asda, Co-op and Morrisons.

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