An outbreak of E. coli symptoms has caused at least 86 people to be admitted to the hospital in the UK, according to health officials. The outbreak is believed to be associated with pre-packaged sandwiches containing lettuce. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the total number of cases has reached 256, with 45 new cases discovered.
About 60 products have been recalled from supermarket shelves in recent days as a precaution, but all confirmed cases showed symptoms prior to May 31. Experts say that the total number of individuals affected could still rise, as some samples from patients remain untested.
The Food Standards Agency, along with UKHSA, are investigating the outbreak and say that everything possible is being done to find its root cause. Darren Whitby of the Food Standards Agency urges cooperation with relevant businesses and local authorities to ensure that consumers are protected.
E. coli is a diverse group of bacteria that normally reside in human and animal intestines. Some types are harmless, while others can make individuals severely ill. This outbreak’s variety of E. coli, Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O145, can cause damage to the gut lining. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, bloody stools, stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting. Most individuals recover well, but some may experience serious complications, such as haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which damages the kidneys.
It is essential to drink sufficient fluids, as diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. There is no particular treatment for E. coli infections. Those infected typically recover without medical treatment and can be cared for at home. It is critical to seek medical attention if individuals are concerned. To minimize the risk of infection, individuals should regularly wash their hands with soap and warm water and refrain from using alcohol gels, which do not kill all diarrhoeal illness-causing bacteria
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More