In a collaborative effort, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland (PHS), Food Standards Agency (FSA), and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) are actively investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O145. This strain was identified through whole genome sequencing (WGS) data analysis.
STEC is commonly transmitted through contaminated food consumption, close contact with an infected person, or direct contact with an infected animal. The symptoms range from mild diarrhoea to severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea. In some cases, infection can lead to haemolytic uraemia syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition primarily affecting the kidneys.
As of December 27, 2023, 30 confirmed cases have been reported in England and Scotland since late July 2023, with a majority reported in December. The affected individuals, spanning ages 7 to 81, exhibit symptoms like bloody diarrhoea, and hospitalisation, and one case developed HUS. Unfortunately, one death has been associated with this outbreak. Epidemiological investigations link some cases to unpasteurised cheeses produced by a business in England, leading to a precautionary product recall by FSA.
In addition to this O145 outbreak, UKHSA has been investigating three other non-O157 STEC outbreaks across the UK since October 2023. These outbreaks, identified through WGS, involve a different strain of STEC O145 and two outbreaks of STEC O26, with reported cases ranging from 15 to 44.
Historically, STEC O157 was the predominant type in England and Wales. Still, the recent surge in non-O157 STEC cases, especially during October and November, raises concerns. The increased detection, while partially attributed to advanced molecular detection methods, prompts a thorough investigation by UKHSA and partner agencies to understand and address this unusual spike in reported cases.
