Urgent UK health warning as salad leaves two dead and dozens more in hospital

Saheli 26 Jul 2016 Health Comments Off on Urgent UK health warning as salad leaves two dead and dozens more in hospital 120 Views

Salad e.coli

Public Health England is concerned the outbreak is being linked to supermarket salads.

The outbreak has left 62 people needing 62 people across the UK.

It is being linked to imported rocket salad from Mediterranean countries.

Salad e.coliGEETTY – STOCK IMAGE

WARNING: Health experts are alarmed after two people die

PHE confirmed that some children have been affected, but could not confirm if they were among those who have fallen seriously ill.

The health authority have confirmed 151 cases of E. coli 0157 strain across Britain with more being reported in the south west of England.

Dr Isabel Oliver, director of PHE’s field epidemiology service, said: “PHE has been working to establish the cause of the outbreak and has identified that several of the affected individuals ate mixed salad leaves including rocket leaves prior to becoming unwell.

“Currently, the source of the outbreak is not confirmed”

Dr Isabel Oliver

“Currently, the source of the outbreak is not confirmed and remains under investigation; we are not ruling out other food items as a potential source.”

PHE have told shoppers that until the source of the outbreak is traced they should take steps to prevent the spread of the illness.

Tips include washing hands before preparing meals, washing soiled clothing, not sharing towels, cleaning cooking areas thoroughly and not coming into contact with faeces.

UNWELL: There have been 151 cases in the UK outbreak
Salad e.coliGETTY – STOCK IMAGE

INVESTIGATION: Scientists are trying to trace the outbreak

Dr Oliver added: “PHE is also working closely with the Food Standards Agency to trace, sample and test salad products grown in the UK and other parts of Europe.

“All food sample results to date have been negative for E.coli O157, but it’s important to be aware that where food has been contaminated with E.coli O157, it is not always possible to identify the bacteria on food testing.

“As an additional precautionary measure, we have advised a small number of wholesalers to cease adding some imported rocket leaves to their mixed salad products pending further investigations.”

[Source:- Stuff]

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