E. coli (STEC) outbreak: Tips to reduce your risk of gastrointestinal infections

Between 25 May and 4 June, 113 cases of E. coli (STEC) have been confirmed in the UK, with most cases occurring in England.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned about a recent increase in cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in the UK.

As of 4 June, there have been 113 confirmed cases of the STEC O145 strain reported since 25 May 2024. These include 81 cases in England, 18 in Wales, 13 in Scotland, and 1 in Northern Ireland, with evidence suggesting that the latter case likely contracted during a visit to England.

While cases range from 2 to 79 years of age, the majority are found in young adults. Among the 81 cases identified in England so far, 61 per cent have been hospitalized.

However, the number of confirmed cases linked to this outbreak is expected to increase as additional samples undergo whole genome sequencing. The UKHSA notes that, typically, around 1,500 cases of STEC are reported annually.

According to the UKHSA, infections caused by STEC bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhoea and, in some cases, more serious complications.

It is typically transmitted through consuming contaminated food but can also spread via close contact with an infected person, or through direct contact with an infected animal or its environment.

Causes of the present E. coli (STEC) outbreak

The agency is working with public health agencies in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales to investigate the recent outbreak.

Whole genome sequencing of samples in the current investigation reveals that most cases are part of a single outbreak.

Given the wide geographic distribution of cases, the agency believes that this outbreak is most likely linked to a nationally distributed food item or multiple food items.

The source of the outbreak has not yet been confirmed, but there is currently no evidence linking it to open farms, drinking water, or swimming in contaminated seawater, lakes, or rivers.

Public health agencies are collaborating with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland to further investigate the source.

How to reduce the risk of E. coli infections

Trish Mannes, Incident Director at UKHSA, has shared some steps to help reduce the risk of E. coli infections and prevent their spread to others. These include:

• Regular washing hands with warm water and soap
• Use disinfectants to clean surfaces to stop infections from spreading
• Adhere to food hygiene practices such as washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and cooking food properly.
• If experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting, refrain from preparing food for others and avoiding visits to hospitals or care homes to avoid passing on the infection
• Wait 48 hours after your symptoms have ceased before returning to work, school, or nursery.

Call NHS 111 or contact your GP surgery if you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days.