Urgent E. coli investigation after 113 reported cases linked to 'single outbreak'
manchestereveningnews.co.ukAn E. coli outbreak has caused 113 reported cases. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating the spread. The agency believes it is likely linked to a 'nationally distributed food item or items'.
Test of samples indicate that most of the 113 cases reported across the UK since May 25 'are part of a single outbreak'. READ MORE: Dr Michael Mosley missing: Live updates with major search underway in Greece A statement said: “Based on the wide geographic spread of cases, it is most likely that this outbreak is linked to a nationally distributed food item or multiple food items.” The UKHSA said it was working with public health agencies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland to determine the cause of people’s illness.
All the cases recorded in the outbreak involve Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145 (Stec), with 81 cases in England, 18 in Wales, 13 in Scotland and one person in Northern Ireland who believes they acquired Stec in England.
The people who have fallen ill range in age from two to 79, with the majority of cases in young adults. Of the 81 people identified so far in England, 61 have provided information to UKHSA related to food, travel and potential exposures.
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