A GP has shed light on how to dodge a potentially severe E. coli infection after reports surfaced that 113 individuals have been struck ill.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in collaboration with public health bodies across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, is probing a spike in cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The exact origin of the outbreak remains unclear, but it has affected 81 people in England, 18 in Wales, and 13 in Scotland. The UKHSA has indicated that the outbreak likely stems from a food item or items distributed nationally.
Speaking on GB News, NHS GP Dr David Lloyd offered advice on avoiding harmful E. coli in food, noting the difficulty in pinpointing whether fresh or packaged foods are to blame. He referenced past health warnings, emphasizing the importance of hygiene: "We're all used nowadays to those instant salad packs, aren't we which are all nicely cut up for us and the warning on the front, which is 'please wash it'."
Dr Lloyd advised: "I think that those are the sorts of things one should do. One shouldn't just take a packet of uncooked food without making sure it's thoroughly washed before you use it." Dr Lloyd highlighted the dangers of various food outbreaks, stating: "So certainly there have been lettuce outbreaks. There have been ground beef outbreaks. And as I say, there's very odd Fenugreek sprout outbreak, all of which have killed people in the past."
He also noted that a key symptom to watch for is blood in the stool, reports Gloucestershire Live. STEC bacteria infections can lead to severe bloody diarrhoea and potentially more serious complications. These infections are typically spread through contaminated food, close contact with an infected person, or direct contact with animals or their environments.
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The affected individuals range from 2 to 79 years old, predominantly young adults. The UKHSA has provided guidelines to help prevent gastrointestinal infections and curb their spread:
- regularly wash your hands with warm water and soap — alcohol gels do not kill all bugs that cause diarrhoeal illness
- follow food hygiene measures such as washing fruit and vegetables and cooking food properly
- if you have 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
- you should not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped
Trish Mannes, Incident Director at UKHSA, advised: "Symptoms of infections with STEC include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to 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 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."
Wendi Shepherd, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales, stated: "Public Health Wales is working with partners in the UK and across the Welsh NHS to investigate this incident. There are currently 18 cases identified in Wales and healthcare providers have been advised of the increase in cases. We would advise anyone who has experienced bloody diarrhoea or severe stomach cramps to seek medical attention."
Call NHS 111 or contact your GP surgery if:
- you’re worried about a baby under 12 months
- your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
- a child under 5 years has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
- you or your child (over 5 years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- you or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days
- 111 will give you advice. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
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