Media Release
E-coli update - 16.09 hours, Thursday 6 October
Update by the Outbreak Control Team (Officers of the Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly and Bridgend Local Authorities, the Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Health Board, the Food Standards Agency and the National Public Health Service of Wales)
New cases
At 10.00 hours today, 158 cases compatible with E coli O157 infection have been identified. There has been no change today.
It is still clear that the majority fell ill before control measures were in place (A graph is available on request showing when cases first developed symptoms).
There are a total of 42 schools where exposure to the source has apparently resulted in infection. The Outbreak Control Team is confident that cases in the schools caught the infection before control measures were put in place.
Control measures
Control measures remain in place.
The Outbreak Control Team is confident that the control measures put in place in the schools have meant that no one has caught the infection from another person in a school.
The decision to keep schools open has been reviewed on a regular basis. The Team continues to be of the opinion that it is safe for schools to remain open and for children to attend school as normal.
Most new cases are now secondary – where someone has caught the infection from someone else – usually a member of the same family. Thorough hand washing before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet; and daily disinfectant of toilets are important ways of stopping the spread of infection.
Following a decision at the meeting of the Outbreak Control Team on Monday, the Team is working with health visitors who will help and advise families prevent the spread of infection in the home.
Communications
People with concerns regarding their health are advised to contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
The Outbreak Control Team consists of the following organisations:
- Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
- Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
- Bridgend County Borough Council
- Caerphilly County Borough Council
- National Public Health Service for Wales
- Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Health Board
- Food Standards Agency
ENDS
For further information, please contact Chris Lines on 07866 634077