Media Release
REF: PR95
Date: September 21, 2005
Time: 13:26pm
E-coli update
At 10:00 hours today (21 Sept 2005), 56 cases compatible with E coli O157 infection have been identified. There are now 24 schools with cases identified. The new schools are:
- Cwmlai Primary, Tonyrefail
- Pen Yr Englyn, Treherbert
- Hirwaun Primary
- Parc Lewis Primary, Pontypridd
Investigations into the causes of the e-coli outbreak are progressing well.
We have not yet identified the source and it is still possible that we may not do so. However, investigations are allowing us to identify potential sources and to take further control measures.
Along with other measures we have withdrawn all pre-cooked meat from all schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly and Bridgend. As a further precaution this has now also been extended to residential care homes.
We are clear that the source was not from the way that food is handled and processed in the school kitchens. We hope this is reassuring to all our catering staff and to the pupils and parents.
Some parents have expressed concern that schools have not been closed. This is perfectly understandable.
However, we are confident that control measures have been put in place, which mean there is no need to close the schools. We can say this because we know how e-coli is passed on, we have identified where these possible causes could be found in schools and we have taken action to control the causes in the schools:
- We know that the e-coli germ can be caught from uncooked food so we have ensured that only cooked school dinners are provided in the schools
- We know that the germ can be caught through play with water, sand and plasticine so we have stopped such play in schools
- We know that the germ can be passed on by contact with other people so we have made sure that there has been additional cleaning and disinfection at the schools; and that all teachers and pupils are advised on good personal hygiene
It was on Sunday, after two days of extensive and in-depth interviews with identified cases, and after analysis of the factors that were common between them, that we were able to identify schools as a common environment and put the control measures in place.
It is probable that the number of cases will increase further. This is not because the source of the outbreak remains live. It is because, it takes time for the germ to incubate – sometimes more than a week – and new cases are emerging who caught the germs before the control measures were taken at the beginning of the week.
It remains important that parents ensure that they and their children wash their hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or handling food.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Stephanie McNicholas, Communications Officer, Rhondda Cynon Taf Environmental Services on 01443 494702 or Chris Lines on 01443 824176 or 07866 634077