The death of a person in England has been linked to the ongoing E.coli outbreak, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
Lettuce has been identified as sourceas became apparent last week.
While two people in England have died within 28 days of being infected with the current strain, information from clinicians suggests that “one of these deaths is likely related to their STEC [Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli] infection,” the UKHSA said.
Both individuals had underlying medical conditions and both died in May.
At least 122 people have been hospitalized for treatment since the outbreak began.
Current case totals are as follows: 182 in England; 58 in Scotland; 31 in Wales; and four in Northern Ireland, although “it appears that” those four people “acquired their infection in England,” the health agency added.
Through June 25, another 19 cases had been reported in the last seven-day period.
It brings the total number of confirmed infections in the UK to 275.
All currently recorded cases showed symptoms before June 4.
A number of food manufacturers have done that recalled sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major retail chains over fears they are linked to the outbreak.
Positive signals during the tragic death of E. coli
It is tragic, but perhaps not surprising, that a death has occurred in connection with a UK E.coli outbreak of this magnitude.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is the most dangerous of all common diarrheal infections in Britain.
In most people it causes extremely severe stomach problems, with fatal consequences in about 0.5% of cases – most of them in people over 65 years of age or in very young children.
The specific strain involved in this latest outbreak, E.coli O145 t5:206, is particularly nasty.
According to the UKHSA, it is associated with more severe disease and an increased risk of something called haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure and death.
The person who died in this latest outbreak was an adult and did not have HUS.
However, the UKHSA said they had underlying medical conditions that would increase their vulnerability to STEC.
While the outbreak cannot be declared ‘over’ until the precise source of lettuce leaf contamination is confirmed, the fact that there have been no new cases of E.coli 0145 since June 24 suggests that things are moving in the right direction.
E. coli is a diverse group of normally harmless bacteria that live in the intestines of humans and animals.
However, some strains produce toxins that can cause serious diseases, such as STEC.
Although the UKHSA said the number of reported infections is declining, it expects more to follow.
This is because samples are still being referred by the NHS and ‘whole genome sequencing’ is being carried out.
Symptoms include “severe and sometimes bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever,” said Amy Douglas, incident director for the UKHSA.
Simple steps to avoid becoming infected include washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces, she added.
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People who are not feeling well should not prepare food for others and avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes.
They are also advised not to return to work, school or daycare until 48 hours after their symptoms have resolved.
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Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said the investigation “remains complex”.
He added: “We continue to work with relevant businesses and local authorities to ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect consumers.
“While we are confident that the likely source of the outbreak is related to lettuce, work continues to confirm this and work with growers, suppliers and manufacturers to identify the source of the outbreak so that action can be taken to prevent a recurrence .”