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Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning over surge in cases of deadly bacteria in UK that kills one in 10 – check 3 symptoms to watch out for
People 'can't function' when struck down with the nasty bacteria HEALTH ALERT Warning over surge in cases of deadly bacteria in UK that kills one in 10 – check 3 symptoms to watch out for Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS have been warned as a deadly bacteria that kills one in 10 sufferers has spiked in the UK. Cases of the "worst diarrhoea ever" are rising - here are three symptoms to watch out for. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The infection stems from a highly contagious bacterium, which lives in people's bowel Credit: Getty Clostridioides difficile, otherwise known as C. diff, has killed more than one in 10 cases from 2023 to 2024. Concerned doctors are warning the death toll could continue to soar if action isn't taken. The infection stems from a highly contagious bacterium, which lives in people's bowel. Dr Kerrie Davies of the C. Diff Trust told Metro: "We cannot afford for more patients to be dying of this every year." She said people "can't function" when struck down with the nasty bacteria. "Patients with it tell us how scared they are. It is the worst diarrhoea that you have ever, ever had in your life," added the expert. From February 2024 to January 2025, the UK Health Security Agency received 19,239 reports of C. diff sufferers. This alarming figure is the highest since 2011/12. Huge efforts to tackle the potentially killer bug were taken in 2007, which helped reduce the rate of infections. The most common symptoms to recognise are severe diarrhoea, high temperature and stomach ache. ITV reality star rushed to A&E as she shares worrying hospital bed snaps Stats revealed 2,164 patients died from C. diff from 2023 to 2024, which translates to a 12.9 per cent fatality rate. When it reached it's peak in 2007, over 7,000 people lost their lives. It is actually normal to have C. diff bacteria in your bowel, without experiencing any trouble. However, problems arise when the normal balance is disrupted, and you become infected. And, those who are diagnosed with the bug onCe, are 25 per cent more likely to catch it again. Bizarrely, if you catch it a second time, there's a 40 per cent chance you'll get it a third time. After this, you'll be a staggeringly 60 per cent more likely to be struck down with it again. The risk of death increases with each infection too. Cases have been spiking across all ages and sexes across the UK, but the worst affected group has so far been the elderly. Dr Davies further explained how the medical profession has "taken their eye off the ball" since the Covid pandemic. But the NHS is struggling to keep up with the costs, as each case can cost between £19,000 to £31,000 to treat. The eye-watering sum is partly down to the quarantine precautions required, and isolation of nurses. However, even if people do recover, they're likely to experience long-lasting systems which can continue affecting them forever. Campaigners trying to bring figures down have been calling for the medical industry to do routine tests for C. diff in all patients who come in with diarrhoea. They also argue antibiotics need to stop being overprescribed. Meanwhile, Russell Hope, UKHSA Senior Scientist and Team Lead, said: "UKHSA is working alongside partners, including NHS England, to investigate recent increases in C. difficile cases in hospitals and community settings. "It's likely the current rise is caused by a combination of factors, including an ageing population with multiple illnesses. Work to identify the causes is ongoing and the appropriate public health action will be taken in response to our findings. "C. difficile is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs)." He said the "infections diarrhoea" which can "increase morbidity, mortality and hospital length of stay". The expert warned the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Mr Hope explained infections are best managed through "prevention and control" alongside strict monitoring. C. diff symptoms According to the NHS; Symptoms of a C. diff infection diarrhoea a high temperature loss of appetite feeling sick a stomach ache How you get a C. diff infection C. diff bacteria usually live harmlessly in your bowel along with lots of other types of bacteria. But sometimes when you take antibiotics, the balance of bacteria in your bowel can change, causing an infection. When someone has a C. diff infection, it can spread to other people very easily if the bacteria found in the person's poo get onto objects and surfaces. Who's at risk You're more likely to get a C. diff infection if: you're over 65 years you're taking, or have recently taken, antibiotics you're staying in hospital or a care home for a long time you have a weakened immune system – for example, from having a long-term condition like diabetes or kidney failure, or treatment like chemotherapy you're taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as omeprazole, or other medicines that reduce stomach acid you've had a C. diff infection in the past
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Warning over surge in cases of deadly bacteria in UK that kills one in 10 – check 3 symptoms to watch out for
BRITS have been warned as a deadly bacteria that kills one in 10 sufferers has spiked in the UK. Cases of the "worst diarrhoea ever" are rising - here are three symptoms to watch out for. Advertisement 2 The infection stems from a highly contagious bacterium, which lives in people's bowel Credit: Getty Clostridioides difficile, otherwise known as C. diff, has killed more than one in 10 cases from 2023 to 2024. Concerned doctors are warning the death toll could continue to soar if action isn't taken. The infection stems from a highly contagious bacterium, which lives in people's bowel. Dr Kerrie Davies of the C. Diff Trust told Advertisement Read More She said people "can't function" when struck down with the nasty bacteria. "Patients with it tell us how scared they are. It is the worst diarrhoea that you have ever, ever had in your life," added the expert. From February 2024 to January 2025, the UK Health Security Agency received 19,239 reports of C. diff sufferers. This alarming figure is the highest since 2011/12. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive Exclusive Huge efforts to tackle the potentially killer bug were taken in 2007, which helped reduce the rate of infections. The most common symptoms to recognise are severe diarrhoea, high temperature and stomach ache. ITV reality star rushed to A&E as she shares worrying hospital bed snaps Stats revealed 2,164 patients died from C. diff from 2023 to 2024, which translates to a 12.9 per cent fatality rate. When it reached it's peak in 2007, over 7,000 people lost their lives. Advertisement It is actually normal to have C. diff bacteria in your bowel, without experiencing any trouble. However, problems arise when the normal balance is disrupted, and you become infected. And, those who are diagnosed with the bug onCe, are 25 per cent more likely to catch it again. Bizarrely, if you catch it a second time, there's a 40 per cent chance you'll get it a third time. Advertisement After this, you'll be a staggeringly 60 per cent more likely to be struck down with it again. The risk of death increases with each infection too. Cases have been spiking across all ages and sexes across the UK, but the worst affected group has so far been the elderly. Dr Davies further explained how the medical profession has "taken their eye off the ball" since the Covid pandemic. Advertisement But the NHS is struggling to keep up with the costs, as each case can cost between £19,000 to £31,000 to treat. The eye-watering sum is partly down to the quarantine precautions required, and isolation of nurses. However, even if people do recover, they're likely to experience long-lasting systems which can continue affecting them forever. Campaigners trying to bring figures down have been calling for the medical industry to do routine tests for C. diff in all patients who come in with diarrhoea. Advertisement They also argue antibiotics need to stop being overprescribed. Meanwhile, Russell Hope, UKHSA Senior Scientist and Team Lead, said: "UKHSA is working alongside partners, including NHS England, to investigate recent increases in C. difficile cases in hospitals and community settings. "It's likely the current rise is caused by a combination of factors, including an ageing population with multiple illnesses. Work to identify the causes is ongoing and the appropriate public health action will be taken in response to our findings. "C. difficile is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs)." Advertisement He said the "infections diarrhoea" which can "increase morbidity, mortality and hospital length of stay". The expert warned the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Mr Hope explained infections are best managed through "prevention and control" alongside strict monitoring. C. diff symptoms According to the NHS; Symptoms of a C. diff infection diarrhoea a high temperature loss of appetite feeling sick a stomach ache How you get a C. diff infection C. diff bacteria usually live harmlessly in your bowel along with lots of other types of bacteria. But sometimes when you take antibiotics, the balance of bacteria in your bowel can change, causing an infection. When someone has a C. diff infection, it can spread to other people very easily if the bacteria found in the person's poo get onto objects and surfaces. Who's at risk You're more likely to get a C. diff infection if: you're over 65 years you're taking, or have recently taken, antibiotics you're staying in hospital or a care home for a long time you have a weakened immune system – for example, from having a long-term condition like diabetes or kidney failure, or treatment like chemotherapy you're taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as omeprazole, or other medicines that reduce stomach acid you've had a C. diff infection in the past 2 Stats revealed 2,164 patients died from from 2023 to 2024 Credit: Getty Advertisement
Metro
5 days ago
- Health
- Metro
UK health warning after cases of bacteria causing 'worst diarrhoea ever' soar
Experts are warning about soaring new cases of a deadly bacteria which leaves patients scared with the 'worst diarrhoea ever'. Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff, infections killed more than one in 10 cases in 2023/4 and costs the NHS tens of thousands of pounds. Doctors are now also warning that cases and deaths could continue to rise across the UK if more is not done to reduce numbers to pre-pandemic levels. The highly contagious bacterium is found in people's bowel and can cause infection when there are other risk factors involved, such as old age, use of antibiotics, and hospital exposure. Dr Kerrie Davies of the C. Diff Trust told Metro: 'We cannot afford for more patients to be dying of this every year. 'We can't afford for more patients to be taken out of the economy every year because they can't function due to this illness. 'Patients with it tell us how scared they are. It is the worst diarrhoea that you have ever, ever had in your life.' There were 19,239 cases of C. diff reported to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from February 2024 to January 2025. This is the highest since 2011/12, after the UK successfully brought down rates from a peak of over 50,000 cases in 2007. Common symptoms include severe diarrhoea, a high temperature and stomach ache. But people do die from the infection, with 2,164 patients dying from it in 2023/4 – a 12.9 per cent fatality rate. Over 7,000 people died in 2007 when cases reached its high point. C. diff bacteria usually live harmlessly in your bowel without infecting you along with lots of other types of bacteria. However when the normal balance of bacteria in your gut is disrupted you can become infected – and very easily pass it on to others through spores in diarrhoea. Rates of the potentially-fatal bacteria are now soaring across all age groups and sexes, although it predominantly affects the elderly. Dr Davies, who has researched the bacteria for 20 years, warned healthcare professionals have 'taken their eye off the ball'. She added: 'We were world-leading in bringing rates down to very low levels, but now there is a a breakdown in infection prevention. 'There is a lack of focus since the Covid pandemic. We do not want levels to go back to where they were previously, where we had big out breaks affecting a lot of people. 'It's a significant number of people that do die from this. For those that don't die, it causes huge impacts on their lives.' One of the drivers of C. diff is the high chance of becoming re-infected once you have already had it once. After becoming infected for the first time, there is a 25 per chance chance of getting it again. After the second time, there is a 40 per cent chance it comes back, and a 60 per cent chance of a fourth infection if you get a third time. The risk of death increases with each infection too. Recurrent infections of C. diff are expensive to treat, and cost the NHS anywhere form £19,000 to £31,000 for each case, studies show. This is because of isolation precautions, the use of isolation nurses and the cost of medications. Studies also show that primary cases, the first time someone is infected, also cost the NHS upwards of £11,000 per person treated. Even for people who recover, a C. diff infection can be a horrid experience because of the other, often long-lasting, symptoms. Dr Davies explained: 'Patients are scared, and they are frightened. 'They tell us they're really worried about leaving their houses because they don't know if they'll be near a toilet when they go out. 'It can effect their ability to work. It takes them a long time to recover. 'Even though they might be asymptomatic, their diarrhoea may have resolved, the frailty that it imposes on the patient, actually, that takes them a long time to recover from. 'It is a difficult infection, it is complicated. You can carry this and not be affected. You won't have an infection because your microbiome is intact.' Combatting rising levels of C. diff needs to be a priority for the NHS, Dr Davies argues. Campaigners say medical leaders and staff must test for it C. diff in suspected cases of infectious diarrhoea and isolate potentially infectious patients immediately. They say emphasis also needs to be on active hygiene and cleaning measures and avoiding overprescribing antibiotics. 'It is complicated. It isn't an asy fix, and that's why it needs everyone's attention and focus,' Dr Davies said. She chairs the new charity the C Diff Trust, which works in the UK and Ireland to advocate for patient support and educate healthcare proffessionals. Russell Hope, UKHSA Senior Scientist and Team Lead, told Metro that the NHS are working hard to tackle C. diff outbreaks. He added: 'UKHSA is working alongside partners, including NHS England, to investigate recent increases in C. difficile cases in hospitals and community settings. More Trending 'It's likely the current rise is caused by a combination of factors, including an ageing population with multiple illnesses. Work to identify the causes is ongoing and the appropriate public health action will be taken in response to our findings. 'C. difficile is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). 'It causes infectious diarrhoea, which can increase morbidity, mortality and hospital length of stay, particularly in the elderly and people whose immune systems are compromised. 'Outbreaks of these infections can be managed through robust infection prevention and control processes and comprehensive surveillance of infection.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. 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