Following the recent E.coli outbreaks in Britain, which have led to a spate of food recalls from supermarkets, here are the main symptoms of the infection to look out for.
Following recent outbreaks of E.coli in Britain, which led to manufacturers withdrawing food products from supermarkets and Britons being warned to throw away sandwiches, here are the four symptoms of the infection to look out for.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that there were 211 cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in the country as of Tuesday week. It was also reported that 67 people had been hospitalized as a result of the disease. The stores involved in the recall of products feared to be contaminated with the dangerous bacteria included almost all the major supermarkets such as Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. Boots and WHSmith also had food products returned.
Most known cases have occurred in young adults, but the bacteria has been confirmed to infect children as young as two years old and elderly people up to 79 years old. The UKHSA has announced that it is working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland to investigate the source and cause of the outbreak.
On Monday, June 17, THIS! has launched a recall for a chicken and bacon wrap available exclusively from WH Smith. Earlier this week, on June 14, sandwich suppliers Greencore and Samworth Brothers Manton Wood also recalled their products from several UK supermarkets, including Boots, Asda, Tesco, Co-op, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, OneStop and Amazon. All of these recalls are described as precautionary measures.
E. coli is a diverse group of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most bacterial strains are harmless and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy intestinal tract, but certain strains, such as E. coli O157, can cause serious foodborne illness. These pathogenic strains produce potent toxins that can lead to stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. In more severe cases, especially in young children and the elderly, the infection can lead to life-threatening complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which affects the kidneys, and in very rare cases, death.
According to the NHS, symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps and sometimes fever. About half of people with the infection develop bloody diarrhea. People will typically notice these symptoms begin three to four days after being infected by consuming contaminated food, but symptoms can begin anytime between 1 and 14 days afterward. Although most people recover within a few days, symptoms of the infection can last up to fourteen days.
The NHS advises that if your child has diarrhea and it is particularly frequent or severe, lasts more than seven days, has severe and persistent stomach pain, experiences weightlessness or shows signs of dehydration such as drowsiness, urinating less than normal and feeling light-headed or feel dizzy. , you should go to your doctor. It also warns that if you develop bloody diarrhea you should call 999 and seek emergency help immediately. You may need antibiotics to treat the infection. It is also important to keep your hands scrupulously clean, especially after using the toilet, if you think you may be infected, to avoid passing the infection on to others.
Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents at the FSA, which is investigating the current outbreak, said: “This is a complex investigation and we have worked quickly with the relevant businesses and local authorities involved to limit the wide range of food being consumed. a small number of lettuce leaf products that have been used in sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls. After a thorough analysis of the food chain, these products are being recalled as a precaution.
“Infections caused by STEC bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhea and in some cases even more serious complications. We therefore advise consumers who have one of these products not to eat them. The FSA is here to ensure food is safe. If there are products on the market that are not, we will not hesitate to take action to remove them.”
Click here for a map of Britain showing the areas in Britain where E.coli cases are highest.