Inside UK's E.coli outbreak as 'contaminated sandwich' kills first person

An E.coli outbreak has made its way around the UK in the past few weeks, with it now resulting in one death.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Thursday afternoon that a person in England linked to the ongoing spread of bacteria has died. It comes after more than 250 cases of the infection were confirmed across the UK, with at least 86 people reported to have been admitted to hospital as a result.

Several food manufacturers were forced to recall certain sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major supermarkets and retail chains over fears they are linked to the outbreak. Here, the Mirror takes a look at how the worrying spread unfolded...

How did it happen?

A number of popular lunch items have been affected

Earlier this month, the UKHSA warned that E.coli cases reported across the UK were part of a single outbreak. The health agency said it believed the spread was linked to a nationally distributed food item, or multiple food items, because of the "wide geographic spread of cases".

Then on June 14, product recall notices were issued by major food manufacturers, warning customers not to eat a variety of sandwiches, wraps and salads. The first warning came from Greencore Group, followed by Samworth Brothers Manton Wood. Food maker THIS! then recalled its vegan chicken and bacon wrap.

All the listed products recalled - of which can be read here - by Greencore are sold at Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, Co-op, and retail pharmacy chain Boots. Various sandwiches and wraps from Samworth Brothers Manton Wood that were recalled were sold at Tesco and One Stop. The product by THIS! was only sold at WH Smith.

Customers were told not to eat the products, with retailers advising them to return them to stores for a full refund. Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency said lettuce used in the products is thought to be the likely source of the outbreak.

As of June 20, it was recorded that at least 86 people found themselves in hospital as a result of the E.coli outbreak. UKHSA data showed there were a further 45 cases of the infection as of June 18, taking the total number of confirmed cases across the UK since the outbreak began to 256. All those who have been affected first developed symptoms before May 31, it was said.

As of June 25, there had been a further 19 cases of Stec, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 275 in the UK. The health agency said: "Although the rate of cases has now slowed, we expect the figure to rise as NHS laboratories refer specimens to UKHSA for genomic sequencing which can link cases to this outbreak strain." All the cases recorded involve Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145 (Stec).

E.coli bacteria under a microscope

Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency said: "Several sandwich manufacturers have now taken precautionary action to withdraw and recall various sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls, as food chain and epidemiological links have enabled us to narrow down a wide range of foods consumed to a small number of salad leaves that have been used in these products.

"This remains a complex investigation and we continue to work at pace with the relevant businesses and local authorities to ensure necessary steps are being taken to protect consumers. Although we are confident in the source of the outbreak being linked to a small number of salad leaves, which we identified early on through extensive food chain analysis, work continues to identify the root cause of the outbreak with the growers, suppliers and manufacturers so that actions can be taken to prevent a re-occurrence.

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

What is E.coli and what are the symptoms?

E.coli are a diverse group of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals. They are normally harmless, although some strains can make people very ill. According to UKHSA, there are typically about 1,500 Stec infections over a full year.

People infected with Stec can suffer diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. About half of cases can develop bloody diarrhoea. Symptoms can last up to two weeks in uncomplicated cases, however virologists have warned the illness can be much worse in young children, elderly people and those with underlying conditions in their immune system.

How is it spread and how can you prevent it?

Stec is usually spread by eating contaminated food, but can also be spread by close contact with an infected person, or direct contact with an infected animal or its environment. You can prevent E.coli by ensuring you wash pre-prepared bag salad, fruits and vegetables and cook them thoroughly.

The UKHSA also advises people to regularly wash their hands with soap and water, as alcohol gel does not kill all bugs that cause diarrhoeal illness. Hand-washing is particularly important after using the toilet and before preparing food.

UKHSA advises people to call NHS 111 or contact their GP surgery if they are concerned about a baby under 12 months, if a child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill, or if child under give years of age shows signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies.

You should also seek medical help if signs of dehydration persist after using oral rehydration sachets, if you or your child can not stop being sick or keep fluid down, if you or your child has bloody diarrhoea, or if diarrhoea last for more than seven days and vomiting more than two days.