Specialists from Public Health England (PHE) have confirmed that there have been 12 cases of E.Coli O157 on the Isle of Wight since September, but that there have been no further cases of the infection among residents or visitors since the 6th October.
Despite there being no new cases of the gastrointestinal illness, PHE is reminding people that thorough hand washing is the best way to reduce the risk of possible infection – especially before eating or preparing food, or after contact with animals.
PHE has been working with environmental health officers from Isle of Wight Council following increased reports of E.coli O157 cases among adults and children who either lived or had visited the Island since September.
Investigations have since confirmed that the 12 cases were caused by 4 different strains of the bacteria. 6 of the cases were caused by a single strain of E.coli O157 and occurred in school groups who visited the Island on a 5-day residential trip in the East Wight.
No environmental or food borne source for the infections have been identified but measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of similar gastro intestinal infections occurring.
E.coli O157, which is a relatively rare infection in the UK, causes diarrhoea and stomach pains and in rare cases can result in hospitalisation.
Dr Anand Fernandes, health protection consultant for PHE South East said:
“We haven’t seen any further cases of E.coli O157 infection that can be linked to the Isle of Wight. E.coli O157 bacteria can be present in the environment and it can take very few of these microscopic bugs to cause infection through contaminated hands or food.
Article continues below this advertisement “We have worked closely with environmental health officers from Isle of Wight Council to build an intelligence picture of events which helped ensure we took all appropriate public health steps to help prevent further infection.
“Although we don’t expect any further cases we will maintain our usual vigilance for any such infections. We would also remind people that E.coli is a relatively common bug which can be easily picked up from touching animals or eating contaminated food, so we recommend people wash their hands thoroughly with soap and hot water and dry them after being near animals or in areas frequented by animals like cows 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.
“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.”
Colin Rowland, Director of Neighbourhoods, Isle of Wight Council, said:
“This was a very serious matter for a few individuals, with the potential to become more widespread. We are grateful to our colleagues in Public Health England for their support in dealing with these cases and the action taken quickly and appropriately to stop the further spread of the outbreak. We will maintain a vigilant approach, and remind everyone to continue to take the usual sensible hygiene precautions when touching animals or preparing food.”
As previously reported by Island Echo, a 4-year-old girl was left fighting for her life after contracting E.Coli O157 during a visit to the Isle of Wight. Her story exposed 11 other cases on the Island.
