Email: customer.care@merthyr.gov.uk    Tel: 01685 725000
Address: Merthyr Tydfil CBC, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom CF47 8AN

Merthyr Tydfil & Rhondda Cynon Taf Joint Statement

 

E-coli 0157 outbreak

There have been a number of e-coli 0157 cases in the Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil areas, with seven identified in the past few days.

Environmental Health Officers are interviewing all close contacts of the cases, as part of a wider in-depth investigation to identify the potential source.

No source has yet been identified but investigations continue.

An outbreak control team, including officers of the Local Authorities, National Public Health Service and local hospitals is meeting to oversee the investigations and ensure that the cause of the outbreak is understood and remedial action is taken as soon as possible.

Head teachers of the schools where pupils have been cases have been contacted and advised to:

  • ensure good personal hygiene with pupils;
  • suspend activities that can facilitate spread of the germs – sand/water play, play with plasticine and cookery activities
  • ensure thorough cleaning following incidents involving diarrhoea or vomiting in their school.
  • Only serve hot cooked meals at lunchtimes
  • Parents of pupils in schools where there have been cases have been contacted and advised to ensure their children use good personal hygiene.

The same schools will be given more enhanced cleaning.

A telephone hotline has been set up with five lines – 029 2040 2520. The hotline will be open from 7am – 9pm on Monday 19th September and from 9am – 9pm from Tuesday 20th September – Friday 23rd September.

ENDS

 

For further information, please contact:

Stephanie McNicholas, Communications Officer, Rhondda Cynon Taf Environmental Services on 01443494702 or 07799131827,

or Chris Liles, Head of Communications at the National Public Health Service on 07866 634077

 

Notes:

What is e-coli 0157?

E-coli 0157 is a form of food poisoning caused by a particularly virulent type of Escherichia coli bacteria which typically results in diarrhoea.

 

How do people get it?

From any of the following sources:

  • Handling raw meat, especially beef
  • Eating undercooked meat or poultry or other contaminated food product
  • Consuming untreated milk or dairy products
  • Swimming in or drinking unchlorinated water
  • Direct contact with animals, particularly on farms or in animal sanctuaries
  • Close contact with another infected person

 

When do people get it?

The illness usually occurs within three-eight days of infection, but three-four days is normal

 

What are the signs and symptoms?

  • Diarrhoea with bloody stools
  • Headaches, nausea and vomiting
  • Symptoms normally persist for about a week
  • For the very old, young or those already unwell, E-coli 0157 may be more severe and complications such as renal failure can occur

How do people stop it spreading?

  • Wash hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before preparing meals or eating
  • Young children with the infection should have their hands washed for them or be supervised
  • Disinfect all areas in the toilet daily (including door handles)
  • Infected persons should stay away from work/school until vomiting and diarrhoea have ceased.