Experts warn UK e-coli outbreak is a 'serious public health concern'

• New data from the UKHSA shows there have been 45 further E Coli infections

Health experts have warned the E.coli outbreak is a 'serious public health concern' as one person is confirmed to have died as a result of the deadly bacteria.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it has identified two people in England who died within 28 days of being infected with the current strain.

But clinicians said only one of these deaths 'is likely linked' to their shiga toxin-producing E.coli (Stec) infection.

At least 86 people have now been admitted to hospital as a result of the outbreak which has been linked to lettuce, health officials have said.

Dr Aidan Taylor, lecturer in microbiology at the University of Reading, said the ongoing outbreak 'is a serious public health concern', which he warned people should 'all pay attention to'.

At least 86 people have now been admitted to hospital as a result of an E. coli outbreak linked to lettuce, though cases are slowing, health officials have said

'Do not eat' alerts were placed on more than 60 products sold in the likes of Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Boots and Sainsbury's

Dr Taylor said: 'The ongoing E.coli outbreak in the UK is a serious public health concern we should all pay attention to.

'To avoid E.coli and other food-borne infections, consumers should thoroughly wash produce, cook meats properly, and practise good kitchen hygiene to avoid cross-contamination.

'However, most raw produce like lettuce will have already been washed by the manufacturer, but this is only partially effective at removing bacteria like E.coli.

'Heavily contaminated produce will remain infectious even after this process, and washing at home will only help so much.

'With ready-to-eat foods like sandwiches and salads, the consumer is reliant on the manufacturer to ensure safe preparation and testing.

'Therefore, in cases of widespread contamination like this outbreak, following product recalls and avoiding implicated foods is crucial.

'This outbreak highlights the importance of robust food safety measures throughout the supply chain and highlights the need for continued vigilance in both industry practices and consumer awareness.'

The UKHSA 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.'

The UK Health Security Agency typically records around 1,500 STEC confirmed infections in a year

At least 122 people have been admitted to hospital for treatment since the start of the outbreak.

Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the FSA, said: 'Earlier this month, we confirmed that several sandwich manufacturers had taken precautionary action to withdraw and recall various sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls after food chain and epidemiological links enabled us to narrow down a wide range of foods to a type of lettuce used in sandwich products as the likely cause of the outbreak.

'This remains a complex investigation and we continue to work with the relevant businesses and the local authorities to ensure necessary steps are being taken to protect consumers.

'Although we are confident in the likely source of the outbreak being linked to lettuce, work continues to confirm this and identify the root cause of the outbreak with the growers, suppliers and manufacturers so that actions can be taken to prevent a re-occurrence.'

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 ill, such as Stec.

People infected with Stec can suffer diarrhoea, and about 50 per cent of cases have bloody diarrhoea. Other symptoms include stomach cramps and fever.

The Food Standards Agency said lettuce used in the products are thought to be the likely source of the outbreak

A number of food manufacturers have recalled sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major supermarkets and retail chains over fears they are linked to the outbreak.

The Food Standards Agency has said lettuce used in the products are thought to be the likely source of the outbreak.

All the cases recorded involve Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145 (Stec).

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.'

A lab technician holds a bacteria culture that shows a positive infection of E. coli

E. coli are 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 ill, such as Stec.

People infected with Stec can suffer diarrhoea, and about 50% of cases have bloody diarrhoea.

Other symptoms include stomach cramps and fever.

Symptoms can last up to two weeks in uncomplicated cases.

Some patients, mainly children, may develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which is a serious life-threatening condition resulting 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 spread 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 surgery if they are worried about a baby under 12 months, a child stops breast or bottle feeding while they are ill, a child under five has signs of dehydration such as fewer wet nappies, and if older children or adults still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets.

Help should also be sought if people are being sick and cannot keep fluid down, there is bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom, diarrhoea lasts more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days.

What are E.Coli?

E. coli are 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 ill, such as Stec.

People infected with Stec can suffer diarrhoea, and about 50 per cent of cases have bloody diarrhoea.

Other symptoms include stomach cramps and fever.

Symptoms can last up to two weeks in uncomplicated cases.

Some patients, mainly children, may develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which is a serious life-threatening condition resulting 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 spread by close contact with an infected person, as well as direct contact with an infected animal or where it lives.

Read more