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At least 86 people have already been hospitalized as a result E coli outbreak linked to lettuce, health officials said.
A further 45 cases of E coli infection have been confirmed since June 18, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the UK to 256. According to the UK Hello Safety Agency (UKHSA), those affected developed symptoms before May 31.
UKHSA said: “Although the rate of cases has already slowed, we expect the figure to rise as NHS laboratories refer samples to UKHSA for genomic sequencing which may link cases to this outbreak strain.”
Food manufacturers have recalled sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major supermarkets and retail chains over fears they are linked to the outbreak.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said lettuce was believed to be the likely source of the outbreak. All recorded cases involved Shiga toxin-producing E coli O145 (Stec).
Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents at the FSA, said: “Several sandwich makers have already taken precautionary action to recall and recall various sandwiches, wraps, pads and rolls as the food chain and epidemiological links have allowed us to narrow down a wide range from foods consumed to a small number of lettuce leaves that were used in these products.
“This remains a complex investigation and we continue to work closely with the businesses concerned and local authorities to ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect consumers.
“While we are confident that the source of the outbreak is linked to a small number of lettuce leaves that we identified early through extensive food chain analysis, work continues to identify the root cause of the outbreak with growers, suppliers and producers so they can action is taken to prevent recurrence.
“We will remain vigilant until the root cause of the outbreak is confirmed and are open to possible causes of the outbreak.”
E coli is a huge group of bacteria, some strains of which produce toxins that can make people seriously ill. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and high fever.
Additional complications can include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, when blood clots form throughout the body as a result of the disease. Some patients may also develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is associated with kidney failure and can cause life-threatening complications.
Stec is often transmitted by eating contaminated food, but it can also be spread by close contact with an infected person, as well as direct contact with an infected animal or its territory.
People are advised to call NHS 111 or contact their GP if they are concerned about a baby under 12 months, if a child stops breast or bottle feeding while ill, if a child under five shows signs of dehydration, such as less wetting of nappies or if older children or adults still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets.
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