NEWS FOCUS

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is working with partners to investigate a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak.

As of 18 June, there have been a further 45 cases associated with the recent outbreak of STEC O145 since the last update (14 June), bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 256 in the UK. All currently confirmed cases had symptom onset dates before 31 May. 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. Based on information from 227 cases to date, 38% were admitted to hospital.

‘Symptoms of infections with STEC include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. While diarrhoea and vomiting can have a range of causes, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and risk of infecting others,’ said Dr Colin Brown, Incident Director at UKHSA.