Lettuce leaf E.coli outbreak kills one
Death likely to be linked to infection, say experts
ONE person has died in the E.coli outbreak believed to be spread through lettuce.
The UK Health Security Agency said two people died in May within 28 days of developing shiga toxin-producing E.coli, and “one of these deaths is likely linked to their Stec infection”.
As of Tuesday, there were 19 Stec cases, bringing the total number of UK confirmed incidents to 275.
A number of food manufacturers have taken sandwiches, wraps and salads off the shelves of supermarkets and retail chains over fears they were linked to the outbreak.
E.coli, a diverse group of bacteria living in human and animal intestines, are normally harmless. But some strains, like Stec, produce toxins that can make people very ill.
Complex
The UKHSA said it was seeing a decline in cases, but warned more would emerge as more samples were referred from NHS labs.
There have been 182 Stec cases in England, plus 58 in Scotland, 31 in Wales and four in Northern Ireland. The latter are thought to have acquired it in England.
At least 122 people have been admitted to hospital since May.
Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said: “Food chain and epidemiological links enabled us to narrow down a wide range of foods to a type of lettuce used in sandwich products as the likely cause of the outbreak.
“This remains a complex investigation and we continue to work with the relevant businesses and the local authorities to ensure necessary steps are being taken to protect consumers. Although we are confident in the likely source of the outbreak being linked to lettuce, work continues to confirm this and identify the root cause of the outbreak with the growers, suppliers and manufacturers.”
People who become infected with Stec can suffer diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. About 50% of cases have bloody diarrhoea.
In uncomplicated cases, symptoms can last up to a fortnight. However, some sufferers, mainly children, may develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome – a life-threatening condition that results in kidney failure. A small number of adults could go on to develop a similar condition, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Stec is often transmitted by eating contaminated food, but also by contact with an infected person or a direct encounter with an animal or its habitat.
People should call NHS 111 or contact their GP surgery if they have worries about an infant who is under 12 months, a sick child who stops breast or bottle feeding, or if a youngster under-five is showing signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies.
Another cause for concern is if older children and adults are still dehydrated after using oral rehydration sachets.
Medical help should also be sought if people are being sick and cannot keep fluid down, there is bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom, the condition lasts more than seven days, or they are vomiting for more than two days.