Statement re: e-coli cases in Bridgend
E-coli 0157 infection has been confirmed in the 13 year old boy and four year old girl previously reported as possible cases from the Bridgend County Borough area.
Says Dr. Sara Hayes, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with the National Public Health Service for Wales: “We now have laboratory confirmation that both the 13 year old boy and the four year old girl have e-coli 0157. A close contact of one of the children, who is not of school age, had already been confirmed to have the infection. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to three.
“We are still waiting for results from a small number of close contacts of the cases. To date, no further tests have been positive.
“Our continuing investigations have not found any evidence of a link between the two original cases. There is no evidence of an outbreak.
“There is also no evidence of a link to the children’s schools or to school meals. Neither child was ill at school.“
Both children were admitted to the University Hospital of Wales and have now been discharged.
The National Public Health Service for Wales and environmental health officers from Bridgend County Borough Council are continuing their investigations.
Notes for Editors
What is e-coli 0157?
E-coli 0157 is a form of infection caused by a particularly virulent type of Escherichia coli bacteria which typically results in diarrhoea.
How do people get it?
From any of the following sources:
• Handling raw meat, especially beef
• Eating undercooked meat or poultry or other contaminated food product
• Consuming untreated milk or dairy products
• Swimming in or drinking unchlorinated water
• Direct contact with animals, particularly on farms or in animal sanctuaries
• Close contact with another infected person
When do people get it?
The illness usually occurs within three to eight days of infection, but three to four days is normal.
What are the signs and symptoms?
• Diarrhoea usually with bloody stools
• Headaches, nausea and vomiting
• Symptoms normally persist for about a week
• For the very old, young or those already unwell, E-coli 0157 may be more severe and complications such as renal failure can occur
How do people stop it spreading?
• Wash hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before preparing meals or eating
• Young children with the infection should have their hands washed for them or be supervised
• Disinfect all areas in the toilet daily (including door handles)
• Infected persons should stay away from work/school until vomiting and diarrhoea have ceased.
E coli O157 cannot be treated with anti-biotics
Confidentiality
There are no plans to release names and we would request that the privacy of the individual concerned be respected.
