Latest news with #Escherichiacoli
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK officials issue 48-hour alert amid rise in foodborne illness that killed seven
There was a 26 per cent rise in cases of the potentially deadly infection in just one year Health experts have issued Brits a 48-hour warning amid a rise in cases of an illness that has killed seven people in England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told people to look out for any potential symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). STEC is a strain of that can cause diarrhoea with blood, stomach cramps, and fever. However, in some cases it can also lead to deadly complications such as sepsis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). It can be spread through contaminated food or through contact with an infected person. Therefore, the UKHSA has urged people not to prepare food for others for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop. This comes following a 26 per cent rise in STEC cases in England in just one year. In a post made to X, the health body said: 'We've seen an increase in cases of STEC, a foodborne illness that can cause diarrhoea, bloody stools and stomach cramps. ' Children aged one to four years were most affected and we're reminding parents to make sure young children wash their hands with soap and warm water before eating. Our latest data shows that Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cases have increased by 26 per cent in 2024, compared to 2023.' The most recent figures show that a total of 2,544 culture-confirmed cases of STEC were reported in England during 2024. Young children were most affected, with the UKHSA linking this to a number of factors including weaker immunity, less developed hygiene practices, a greater likelihood of parents seeking healthcare when young children are symptomatic, and potential exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms. Last year, around two per cent of STEC cases went on to develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). This condition causes small blood vessels become damaged and inflamed and can lead to kidney failure. As reported by the UKHSA, there were seven deaths caused by STEC in 2024. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections, food safety and one health at the UKHSA, commented to say: 'STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022 and therefore it's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. 'If you have any STEC symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. 'It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms. If you are travelling abroad, it's important to remember routine hygiene practices to reduce your chances of becoming unwell. 'Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly.' She urged people to consult your GP or healthcare professional if they have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to stay hydrated. In 2024, the UKHSA investigated five STEC outbreaks involving 467 cases, with 348 in England. The sources for three of these outbreaks were contaminated beef, fresh fruit, and salad leaves. The largest outbreak was linked to contaminated salad leaves which resulted in 293 cases, including 196 cases in England. Of the 293 cases, 126 cases needed hospital care, 11 developed complications of HUS, and two died. For more information, including how to protect yourself from STEC, visit the Government website here.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Swimmers warned of algae blooms, E. coli at Manitoba beaches ahead of long weekend
The province is warning swimmers of algae blooms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria at some Manitoba beaches and reservoirs ahead of the August long weekend. Manitoba Environment and Climate Change, which monitors the health of 57 beaches across the province through the Manitoba Clean Beaches Program, posted blue-green algae advisory signs at seven beaches this month. Manitobans should avoid swimming, drinking or bathing in water where blue-green algae is present, the province said. Owners should also ensure their pets do not drink the water. The province said on its website that blue-green algae has exceeded Manitoba's recreational water quality limits for the bacteria at: Brereton Lake South Beach. Hoopers Lake Beach. Lake Minnedosa Beach. Plum Coulee Beach. Rivers Reservoir Beach. Stephenfield Reservoir Beach. Sandy Lake Beach. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals, the province warns. Warm, calm weather can create an ideal environment for algae to grow, forming thick scum or clumps on top of the water that give off a foul smell. Exposure to blue-green algae toxins can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, skin/eye irritation, fever, respiratory symptoms and allergic reactions. Exposure can kill animals. Residents and cottagers who use lake water as a drinking source should not consume water that has exceeded algae limits, even if a treatment system is being used. Most small treatment systems can't remove algae toxins, the province warns, and boiling or chlorination won't make algae-affected water safe to drink. The province said E. coli were within recreational limits at most Manitoba beaches ahead of the August long weekend. According to the province's beach water quality map, E. coli samples taken at five beaches — Gimli, West Grand, Sandy Bar, St. Malo and Winnipeg beaches — earlier this week exceed the safe recreational limit for the bacteria. The province's beach update said advisory signs remain at Victoria, Lester, East Grand and Patricia beaches, as E. coli levels surpassed limits on July 22 but quickly dropped back to acceptable levels two days later. When high levels of E. coli are present in water, swimmers may develop ear, eye, nose or throat infections. The bacteria may also cause mild fever, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Swimmers should avoid swallowing lake water, the government warned, and avoid swimming if they are ill or have an open wound.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Key E.coli symptoms to watch out for as UKHSA issues major warning
The UK Health Security Agency issues alert showing a 26% rise last year in in the STEC group of bacteria which can cause life-threatening kidney problems Four symptoms have been flagged by health chiefs linked to a spike in a dangerous form of The UK Health Security Agency has issued an alert showing a 26% rise last year in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). This group of bacteria can also be spread via contaminated food and can cause life-threatening kidney problems. STEC bacteria causes gastroenteritis which comes with extremely unpleasant symptoms. They are usually spread through contact with animals or their faeces, consuming contaminated food or water, and from person to person. This comes following a warning to parents over petting zoos. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director at the UKHSA, said: 'Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly." The UK Health Security Agency has outlined the four key symptoms for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The first is diarrhoea which contains blood. STEC are a group of bacteria that produce Shiga toxins which damage the lining of the intestines and can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The second symptom linked to this identified by the UKHSA is stomach cramps. The third symptom is vomiting which, if persistent, can lead to the third red flag which is dehydration. Dehydration occurs because sufferers simply cannot keep down liquid without bringing it back up. Dr Godbole added: 'Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to hydrate yourself.' Symptoms can also incllude fever and lack of energy. Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks with supportive care, such as staying hydrated and resting. In severe cases STEC can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) – a serious, life-threatening condition that predominantly affects the kidneys. Annual UKHSA data suggests a 26% rise in STEC infections in England in 2024 when compared to 2023. Also known as verocytoxin producing E. coli (VTEC), there were 2,544 laboratory-confirmed cases in 2024, up from 2,018 the previous year. These figures are likely the tip of the iceberg as most infections are never culture-confirmed. Dr Godbole added: 'STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022 and therefore it's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. "If you have any STEC symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.' Earlier this year a popular cheese was recalled amid fears it was contaminated with STEC. Food Standards Scotland placed an advisory on Isle of Mull Cheese's Hebridean Blue Cheese. Other outbreaks have been linked to contaminated beef, fresh fruit and packs of salad leaves.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning after surge in deadly food poisonings – as health officials link outbreak to contaminated salad leaves
From symptoms to how to avoid it - find out everything you need to know about the infection below BUG BEAR Urgent warning after surge in deadly food poisonings – as health officials link outbreak to contaminated salad leaves HEALTH officials have warned of a rise in dangerous gut infections in England - and one major outbreak was linked to contaminated salad leaves. In severe cases, infections can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition. Advertisement 2 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause a potentially deadly condition in severe cases Credit: Getty New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed a 26 per cent rise in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections in 2024 when compared to 2023. Overall, 2,544 cases of STEC were confirmed last year, with 564 cases of STEC serotype O157 - the strain linked to severe illness. There were 1,980 cases of other STEC serotypes (non-0157), which have become increasingly common and are considered less dangerous. Typically, STEC bacteria causes gastroenteritis, with symptoms ranging from mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration. Advertisement But in severe cases, they can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) - a potentially deadly condition that predominantly affects the kidneys. STEC bacteria are spread through contact with animals or their faeces, consuming contaminated food or water, and from person to person. Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal infections, Food Safety and One Health at UKHSA, said: "It's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. 'Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly. Advertisement "Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to hydrate yourself.' The highest incidence of STEC cases in 2024 was in children aged one to four years. Food Standards Agency explains E Coli Experts said this may be explained by a combination of factors such as less time to build immunity to infection, less developed hygiene practices, a greater likelihood of parents seeking healthcare when young children are symptomatic, and potential exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms. Travel-related cases increased by 60.5 per cent from 114 in 2023 to 183 in 2024 Advertisement The UKHSA said this increase may reflect changes in international travel patterns or improved ascertainment of travel history during investigations, although the underlying reasons remain uncertain. In 2024, there were seven deaths among STEC cases - two linked to STEC O157 and five to non-O157 strains. The UKHSA investigated five STEC outbreaks at the time, which accounted for 467 cases - 348 of them in England. All were caused by STEC non-O157. Advertisement 2 A source of one of the outbreaks was salad leaves Credit: Getty - Contributor The sources for three of these were contaminated beef, fresh fruit, and salad leaves. Non-O157 cases have increased nearly three times since 2019. The UKHSA suggested the rise may be due to diagnostic laboratories using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which has improved detection. Advertisement While non-O157 infections usually peak in autumn, O157 types peak in summer, so people have been advised to take care throughout the year. Natasha Smith, Director of Food Policy at the FSA, said: "Public safety is our highest priority. The FSA works closely with UKHSA and other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data. "We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in STEC cases, as well as trends in other pathogens, to help us take the necessary action to protect public health. "We've launched a new food safety campaign to help people stay safe - find out more on Advertisement "We're also working with local authorities and industry to support businesses meet their legal responsibility to make sure food is safe. Consumers can further protect themselves by checking Food Hygiene Ratings on before eating out. 'When preparing food at home, people can reduce their risk of food poisoning by following good hygiene practices and by following advice on the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination.'
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Warning to parents over petting zoos as E.coli infections surge in children
UKHSA has warned parents about children stroking animals after the STEC form of which can cause liver damage increased by 26 per cent last year Parents have been warned that a dangerous form of linked to stroking animals is on the rise. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an alert showing a 26% rise last year in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). This group of bacteria can also be spread via contaminated food and cause life-threatening kidney problems. STEC bacteria causes gastroenteritis with symptoms ranging from mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration. Cases were highest in England among children aged under-five and health chiefs have warned parents to make children wash their hands when attending petting zoos as animals can carry the infections. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director at the UKHSA, said: 'It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms. If you are travelling abroad, it's important to remember routine hygiene practises to reduce your chances of becoming unwell. 'Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly. Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to hydrate yourself.' A major way STEC spreads is via those preparing meals and drinks for other family members. In rare cases children and the elderly can develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) which can lead to kidney failure and other serious complications. Natasha Smith, policy director at the Food Standards Agency, said: 'When preparing food at home, people can reduce their risk of food poisoning by following good hygiene practices and by following advice on the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking and avoiding cross-contamination. 'Public safety is our highest priority. The FSA works closely with UKHSA and other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data. "We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in STEC cases, as well as trends in other pathogens, to help us take the necessary action to protect public health.' Earlier this year a popular cheese was recalled amid fears it was contaminated with STEC. Food Standards Scotland placed an advisory on Isle of Mull Cheese's Hebridean Blue Cheese. Other outbreaks have been linked to contaminated beef, fresh fruit and packs of salad leaves. Annual UKHSA data suggests a 26 per cent rise in STEC infections in England in 2024 when compared to 2023. Also known as verocytoxin producing E. coli (VTEC), there were 2,544 laboratory-confirmed cases in 2024, up from 2,018 the previous year. These figures are likely the tip of the iceberg as most infections are never culture-confirmed. Dr Godbole added: 'STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022 and therefore it's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. "If you have any STEC symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. "Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.'
