The ongoing E.coli outbreak across the UK, linked to lettuce, has raised significant health concerns, with one death reported and numerous hospitalizations. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified the specific strain as E.coli O145 t5:206, known for its severity and potential to cause Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure and even death.
According to UKHSA, the outbreak has resulted in 275 confirmed infections across the UK, with cases predominantly in England but also reported in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Sadly, two deaths have occurred, with clinicians attributing one directly to the STEC infection. Both individuals who died had underlying medical conditions and passed away in May.
The outbreak has prompted several food manufacturers to recall sandwiches, wraps, and salads sold in major retail chains over concerns of contamination. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and local authorities are actively investigating to pinpoint the exact source of the contamination, primarily focusing on lettuce.
Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the FSA, emphasized the complexity of the investigation, stating, “We continue to work closely with businesses and local authorities to ensure necessary steps are taken to protect consumers.” While the likely source is believed to be lettuce, efforts are ongoing to confirm this and identify the root cause with growers, suppliers, and manufacturers to prevent future occurrences.
Symptoms of infection include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. Amy Douglas, incident director at UKHSA, advised the public on preventive measures such as thorough handwashing, surface disinfection, and avoiding food preparation for others when unwell.
Despite a decrease in reported cases since 24 June, UKHSA anticipates further infections as more samples are analyzed using whole genome sequencing. The agency continues to monitor the situation closely, urging vigilance and adherence to hygiene practices to mitigate the risk of further spread.
The severity of this outbreak highlights the importance of food safety and public health measures in preventing and managing infectious diseases. As investigations progress, authorities are committed to ensuring transparency and taking necessary actions to safeguard public health across the UK.