Deadly E. coli Outbreak Hits England and Scotland
The UK is battling a nasty outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O145. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland (PHS), Food Standards Agency (FSA), and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have joined forces to tackle this dangerous bug. Experts identified the strain using cutting-edge whole genome sequencing (WGS) technology.
From Bloody Diarrhoea to Kidney Failure
STEC spreads through contaminated food, close contact with infected people, or animals carrying the bacteria. Symptoms vary from mild diarrhoea to severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea. Worst case? Haemolytic uraemia syndrome (HUS) — a life-threatening condition that targets the kidneys.
30 Cases and One Death Linked to Unpasteurised Cheese
Since late July 2023, 30 confirmed cases have emerged across England and Scotland. Most appeared in December. The victims range from just 7 years old to 81, with many needing hospital care. Tragically, one patient died.
“Epidemiological investigations link some cases to unpasteurised cheeses produced by a business in England, prompting a precautionary product recall by the FSA,” officials said.
More STEC Strains Adding to the Worry
The O145 outbreak isn’t the only concern. Since October 2023, UKHSA has also been probing three more non-O157 STEC outbreaks across the UK. These include a different O145 strain and two outbreaks of STEC O26, with cases ranging from 15 to 44.
Traditionally, STEC O157 was the main culprit in England and Wales. But the recent spike in non-O157 strains, especially in October and November, signals trouble. Experts say improved detection methods partly explain the rise, but investigations are ongoing to figure out why cases are surging.
