Investigation into EColi 0157 - community update

TUESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER, 2016

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Investigation into E.coli O157- community update

NHS Tayside Health Protection Team and Angus Council are continuing to investigate linked cases of E.coli O157 infection affecting a small number of children in the Carnoustie area.

Further testing on a precautionary basis has been carried out on a number of children and adults, however the number of patients now confirmed positive for E.coli O157 remains very low. Due to the low number of confirmed cases, we are unable to provide further details to protect patient confidentiality.

NHS Tayside Consultant in Public Health Medicine Dr Jackie Hyland said, “A small number of suspected and confirmed cases of E.coli have been assessed and treated as appropriate within Ninewells Hospital.

“The usual infection control measures are in place during this period to prevent the potential spread of infection. This includes providing separate areas for patients under investigation. We would like to make it clear that these patients are not being treated under quarantine conditions but are having their treatment in a small, dedicated area, where parents may attend and visit as normal.

“NHS Tayside Health Protection Team has issued further information directly to parents of schoolchildren today to provide an update on the ongoing investigation.

“The cases and contacts have now been identified and children should now be attending school or nursery unless they are symptomatic or have been formally excluded by the Health Protection Team.

“The Incident Management Team (IMT) has also been in regular contact with those affected to ensure that they receive the appropriate medical treatment and advice from primary and secondary care clinicians.

“Possible sources and routes of transmission continue to be investigated, including a link to the national E.coli investigation led by Health Protection Scotland.

“The community should be reassured that the risk to the general public remains low. We would also remind people that a dedicated helpline is available every day between 8am and 10pm. Anyone who has questions or would like further information can call the helpline number on 0800 028 2816.”

Notes to Editors:

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the name of a family of bacteria (germs) commonly found in farm animals and outdoor environments. Some strains of E. coli are harmless; however some types produce toxins that can cause illness in people. You can become infected by consuming contaminated food or water, or by contact with other people who are infected, or with animals (e.g. at farms or zoos) carrying the bacteria.

Symptoms of E. coli O157 include:

    Diarrhoea – sometimes with blood

    Fever

    Stomach pain/cramps

    Nausea and/or vomiting

    Generally feeling/being unwell

Rarely, it can lead to more serious complications. Young children and the elderly are most vulnerable.

Good hand hygiene is the best way of protecting yourself and your family against E. coli. Precautions that everyone should take to prevent this and other infections are:

    Thorough hand washing, taking care to clean the fingertips and between the fingers – before preparing, handling or eating food; after handling any raw food especially meat or poultry; after handling pets and other animals, or working or taking part in recreational activities outdoors; and after going to the toilet or changing nappies.

    Ensure that all foodstuffs derived from animal sources are thoroughly cooked.

    Do not drink any unpasteurised (raw) milk or milk bottles where the tops have been pecked by birds.

    Do not use the same chopping board or kitchen source or knife for raw meat and then for other foodstuffs without washing it thoroughly first to prevent cross contamination.

    Store cooked meat at the top of the fridge and the uncooked meat at the bottom.

    Thoroughly wash all salad, vegetables and fruit before consumption. Do not wash raw meat or poultry as this will splash germs around.

    Remove any clothing contaminated with animal faeces (e.g. Wellington boots, overalls) when entering your house and then wash your hands.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134

19 September 2016