E.coli symptoms you need to know as one dead after eating contaminated cheese
People are being advised of E.coli symptoms to look out for following an outbreak that has led to one death.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said 30 confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (Stec) have been recorded across England and Scotland since late July in people aged seven to 81. The agency added that one person from Scotland with the infection has now died.
E.coli is a bacteria that is found in the bowels of most people and while not causing a problem there, it can cause infections if it gets into new areas like cuts, scratches or urinary catheter sites, states the NHS. And an E.coli infection can lead to serious illness which needs medical treatment.
Anyone can pick up an E.coli infection but people are more at risk from it you are elderly, diabetic, have prostate problems, use a urinary catheter or have an intravenous device. Most people catch E.coli 0145 after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria.
What are the signs and symptoms of E.coli infections?
Symptoms of an E.coli infection can be different depending on where the infection is. If the E. coli has entered your blood and caused a blood stream infection (bacteraemia) some of the main symptoms are: a very high temperature, shivers and chills, not passing urine all day and being more confused than usual. People may also have severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), abdominal pain, and sometimes haemolytic uremic syndrome - a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.
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How is E.coli treated?
If your doctor or nurse thinks you may have an E.coli infection they will take a sample from the infection area (e.g. urine sample, wound swab). You may be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection. About 5 to 10% of people who are diagnosed with E.coli 0145 develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) where your kidney's stop working properly and you will need hospital treatment.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced a precautionary recall of four products from cheesemaker Mrs Kirkham's Lancashire Cheese on Christmas Eve because of possible E.coli contamination and added a fifth product on December 27.
The UKHSA said investigations are continuing into any common links between cases, including links to the recalled cheeses. It said: "One death has been associated with this outbreak. Epidemiological and food chain investigations have identified links between some of the identified cases and a number of unpasteurised cheeses produced by a business in England."
The UKHSA, FSA, Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Food Standards Scotland are working together with other partner agencies to investigate the outbreak. A PHS spokesperson said: "PHS can confirm there has been one death associated with E.coli O145 in Scotland. We are continuing to monitor the situation in Scotland and are working with UKHSA, who are investigating at a UK-wide level."
The recalled cheeses are: Mrs Kirkham's Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham's Tasty Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham's Mature Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham's Smoked Lancashire, and No 1 Waitrose and Partners Farmhouse Kirkham's Lancashire cheese. The agencies said the products might be contaminated with Stec.
Tina Potter, head of incidents at the FSA, said: "We are aware that this recalled product may be popular over the festive period, especially as it has been sold as part of a Christmas gift hamper, and so we are urging consumers to check whether they have bought or been gifted this product.
"Due to this outbreak of E.coli O145, we are urging all consumers to ensure they follow the advice in the product recall notices, which details all of the products which may pose a risk."
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