At least 87 Brits in hospital and hundreds sick with virus ‘probably from supermarket food’

At least 86 people have been admitted to the hospital with E. coli linked to supermarket sandwiches.

Food bosses are “confident” a type of lettuce found in sandwiches is behind the outbreak of the disease that causes bloody diarrhoea.

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New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows there were a further 45 cases of E. coli infection by 18 June.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases across the UK since the start of the outbreak to 256.

All those who were affected developed symptoms before May 31st.

It turns out a Cheshire man suffered a “serious brain injury” after catching E. coli from a £4.99 packet he bought from Boots – which has now been recalled

John Daniels, 66, has now instructed lawyers to investigate the disease after hundreds of people were affected by an outbreak of the disease.

All of the cases were caused by a strain of bacteria called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145 (STEC), which can leave patients with severe and sometimes bloody diarrhea, stomach pain and fever.

The UKHSA said: “Although the case rate has now fallen, we expect the number to rise as NHS laboratories forward samples to the UKHSA for genomic sequencing which can link cases to this outbreak strain.”

The outbreak is “complex”

More than 60 sandwiches, salads and wraps sold in major UK supermarkets and chains have been pulled from shelves as a “precautionary measure” due to fears they could be contaminated with the bacteria.

Affected retailers include Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, Co-op and pharmacy retail chain Boots.

E. coli was not detected in the recalled products, but people who purchased them were warned not to eat them and to return them to stores for a refund.

The Food Standard Agency emphasized that determining the exact origin of the outbreak was “complex” and its investigation “is still ongoing”.

Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents, said: “While we are confident that the source of the outbreak is linked to a small number of salad leaves, which we identified early through extensive food chain analysis, work continues to identify the root cause of the outbreak with producers, suppliers and manufacturers so that actions can be taken to prevent a recurrence.

“We will remain vigilant until the root cause of the outbreak is confirmed, and we are keeping an open mind about the possible causes of the outbreak.”

What is E. coli?

E. coli is a diverse group of bacteria that are normally harmless and live in the intestines of humans and animals.

However, some strains produce toxins that can make people very sick, like Stec.

People infected with Stec can suffer from diarrhea and about 50% of cases experience bloody diarrhea.

Other symptoms include stomach cramps and fever.

Symptoms can last up to two weeks in uncomplicated cases.

Some patients, particularly children, may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is a serious, life-threatening condition that results in kidney failure.

A small proportion of adults may develop a similar condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Stec is often transmitted by eating contaminated food, but can also be transmitted by close contact with an infected person, as well as direct contact with an infected animal or where it lives.

People are advised to call NHS 111 or contact their GP if they are worried about a baby under 12 months, a child stopping breastfeeding or bottle-feeding whilst ill, a child under five showing signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, and if older children or adults still show signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets.

Help should also be sought if people are sick and cannot keep fluids down, if there is diarrhea with blood or bleeding at the bottom, if diarrhea lasts more than seven days, or if vomiting lasts more than two days.

How can I avoid getting sick with E. coli?

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Incident Director, said: “Symptoms of STEC infections include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.

“If you are unwell, have recently eaten salad leaves and are worried about any symptoms, follow the NHS.uk guidance on when to seek help and steps you can take to avoid spreading it to family and friends.

“While diarrhea and vomiting can have a number of causes, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and the risk of infecting others.”

She advised you:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water
• Use disinfectants to clean surfaces and help prevent any spread of infection
• Do not prepare food for other people if you are unwell, have diarrhea and vomiting
• Avoid visiting people in hospitals or nursing homes to avoid transmitting the infection in these settings
• Do not return to work, school or daycare until 48 hours after symptoms disappear