One person in England has died linked to the ongoing E.coli outbreak, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
While two people in England have died within 28 days of being infected with the current strain, information from clinicians suggests “one of these deaths is likely linked to their STEC infection”, the UKHSA said.
Both individuals had underlying medical conditions and they both died in May.
Current case totals are as follows: 182 in England; 58 in Scotland; 31 in Wales; and four in Northern Ireland, although “evidence suggests” those four “acquired their infection in England”, the health body added.
As of 25 June, a further 19 cases had been reported in the latest seven-day period.
It brings the total number of confirmed infections across the UK to 275.
All currently registered cases showed symptoms before 4 June.
While the UKHSA said the number of infections being reported is going down, it expects to see more.
That is because samples are still being referred from the NHS, and “whole genome sequencing” is being conducted.
Symptoms include “severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever”, said Amy Douglas, the UKHSA’s incident director.
Simple steps to avoid becoming infected include washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces, she added.
Source Agencies
