E. coli case increase in midwest region investigated by health authorities

A “noticeable increase” of cases of a potentially-deadly bacteria, Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), in the midwest region is being investigated by public health authorities

More than 20 VTEC cases were notified in the region between July 31st-August 27th, “including a number of hospitalisations” according to Health Protection Surveillance Centre (Health Protection Surveillance Centre) provisional data, said a spokesman, Public Health Mid West.

In addition to causing severe stomach pains and diarrhoea, VTEC can cause a serious condition known as Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which results in the breakdown of red blood cells and kidney failure.

“A small number of HUS cases have been confirmed,” said the spokesman. “Between 5-10 per cent of VTEC cases, particularly children under five and the elderly, will suffer from HUS, with some requiring dialysis. Five per cent of people who develop this serious condition may die.”

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“Our multidisciplinary public health teams have managed and investigated outbreaks and cases in households and in rural settings, particularly on or near farms, and sites with access to a private well supply, and sources of infection are under investigation.”

VTEC can be prevented by effective treatment of private water wells and hand-washing, explained the spokesman. “If your private well water is not treated, the water you are drinking could be contaminated and cause illness. There are a number of ways you can treat you well, and you may able to avail of local authority grants to support treatment.”

He also advised people to use warm water and soap to wash their hands when on or near farm settings/petting zoos; before and after preparing and eating food; after using a toilet or nappies. The spokesman also urged people to “thoroughly wash raw vegetables before eating, and always cook meat fully”.