Exactly where all 113 cases of deadly E.coli infection were found across UK

06 June 2024 , 18:41

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E.Coli symptoms include diarrhoea and stomach cramps (Image: Getty Images)

The government has issued an urgent health warning after an outbreak of E.coli that is being linked to nationally distributed food.

As of Tuesday, June 4 there have been 113 confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) across the country, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The incidents range in age from two years old to 79 years old, although the majority of cases are in young adults, according to the agency.

Based on the wide geographic spread of the cases, it is thought that most of them, which have occurred since May 25, are "part of a single outbreak" and likely from food available to buy in the UK. Although the exact source of this particular outbreak is yet to be confirmed, the UKHSA said there is no evidence that currently links it to open farms, drinking water or swimming in contaminated seawater, lakes, or rivers.

There are typically around 1,500 cases of STEC each year in the UK (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents and Resilience at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), said: "The FSA is working with UKHSA and relevant Public Health bodies to identify the source of the illness, which is likely to be linked to one or more food items. We always advise consumers and those looking after vulnerable people to ensure good hygiene practices are followed when handling and preparing food, regularly washing hands with soap and warm water, and ensuring equipment, utensils, and surfaces foods come into contact with are cleaned thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination. You should not prepare food for others if you have had symptoms, or for 48 hours after symptoms stop."

While Trish Mannes, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: "Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces will help stop infections from spreading. If you are unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting, you should not prepare food for others 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."

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The breakdown of reported cases per country in the UK is as follows:

Out of the 81 cases identified in England, 61 have given information to UKHSA related to food, travel and potential exposures. A total of 61% of these have then been hospitalised. The number of confirmed cases associated with this outbreak was expected to rise as more people are tested.

Back in March this year, high levels of E. coli were found in the River Thames, just ahead of the famous Oxbridge Boat Race. The tests were carried out around Hammersmith Bridge in west London. and showed an average of 2,869 E.coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of water - to meet the Environment Agency's standards for safe bathing water, the level should be below 1,000 CFU per 100ml.

Steven White