It has been confirmed that 10 people – both adults and children – have contracted E. Coli O157 on the Isle of Wight in the past few weeks, prompting handwashing advice to be issued by Public Health England.
Specialists are reminding everybody to make sure their hands are washed before eating or preparing food, or after contact with animals as a result of the E.coli O157 infections in residents and visitors to the Isle of Wight. E. Coli O157 is a gastrointestinal illness which causes diarrhoea and stomach pains and in rare cases can result in hospitalisation.
PHE is working with environmental health officers from Isle of Wight Council following reports of 4 cases of E.coli O157 infection in children who visited the Island in early October. Island Echo understands at least 2 of these children, who were on a school trip, have been hospitalised in Brighton. Test results are also awaited on a further 7 unconfirmed cases, which could bring the total number of people infected to 17. Enquiries are ongoing at this time to identify the possible source of the infection.
Since September, there have been 6 other cases of E.coli O157 infection reported among residents or visitors to the Island. Enquiries indicate they are not linked to the current cases. This includes the case of 4-year-old girl Isla Apsery from Hampshire.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Isla Aspery visited the Isle of Wight with her family in September and within days ended up in a coma at Southampton General Hospital. Evidence is that her E.coli O157 infection is a different strain to this more recent cluster of cases and all the available information currently points to it being a food-borne infection, but the source is still unknown.
Dr Anand Fernandes, health protection consultant for Public Health England South East said:
“We’re working with environmental health officers from Isle of Wight Council to liaise with those who have been unwell in order to help us identify the source of infection and prevent further spread of the infection.
“E.coli is a relatively common bug which can be easily picked up from touching animals or eating contaminated food. E.coli O157 is a particular strain of the bug and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild diarrhoea to severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea and, on rare occasions, it can also cause more serious conditions. This is why we recommend people wash their hands thoroughly with soap and hot water and dry them after being near animals and before preparing or eating food. This is especially important if you have been ill with symptoms yourself, as people with the infection can pass it on to others by touching surfaces or food.
Article continues below this advertisement “Anyone who suspects they may have a diarrhoeal illness should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and if they have severe symptoms like bloody diarrhoea they should contact NHS 111 or their GP surgery.”
Amanda Gregory, Strategic Manager for Regulatory and Community Safety Services from Isle of Wight Council, said:
“The Isle of Wight Council continues to work closely with Public Health England to investigate these cases. We would like to remind people how important it is to follow advice around handwashing as well as hygienic meal preparation – such as keeping raw and ready to eat foods separate and ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked before eating.”
Perhaps certain eating establishments are employing illegals, who will have NO training in food handling.
Avoid any ‘likely’ places and eat at large chains, where there is NO financial incentive to employ unqualified staff, or to serve up dubious meat, as the owners of smaller places are more likely to do, as they personally gain from low paid wages, or past the sell by date cheap meat, whereas places like Wheterspoons could NEVER get away with doing so, as staff training and strict hygiene practices are always adhered too.
IF you want a Curry, it is the easiest meal to cook at home, and there’s nothing like using your own toilet should you require such.
You really have no idea, do you!!
What a ignorant biased statement.
Hmm, seemed to have touched a raw nerve there then. Not getting a lot of support, yet, If the cap fits…
You really are one off the wrist!!
Like in 2018, Wetherspoons had a meat supplier (Russell Hume) who were in breach of multiple food hygiene regulations? Or a month later, when Wetherspoons had to recall meat from a different supplier from 300 pubs?
What a pratt!
I think the pratt must work for Wetherspoons because he cannot even spell it.
Well I think environmental health keeps on at them its children health at thrn end of the day I’ve taken child to this place the toilets was disgusting the play areas didn’t look like they were just as disgusting are my son has a upset stomach for three days after being here would ever go again
My partner was diagnosed as having e-coli in June this year whilst in Appley Ward at St Mary’s.
I was horrified but the doctor said it was nothing to worry about and people can carry this without problems…???? Why was he in hospital in first place?
Grave concerns over care given but he was OK after treatment!!!
So the doctor was correct