Media Release
E-Coli 0157 Update
Date: 23 Sept 2005
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, 75 cases compatible with E coli O157 infection have been identified. There are now 29 schools with cases identified.
The new schools with cases are:
- Glantaf Infants School
- Brynna Primary
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.
Investigation
The investigation continues to progress well. Samples are being tested in the NPHS laboratories and statistical evidence is being gathered and analysed.
Control measures
Meat from John Tudor and Sons has been withdrawn from all schools and residential homes.
All private residential homes and butchers in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly have been contacted by Environmental Health Officers to see if they have received meat from Tudor and Sons. None has been discovered.
Environmental Health Officers are investigating whether there are any other meat supplies in private or retail premises which need to be withdrawn.
All primary schools in Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend and Caerphilly have been instructed to suspend activities that can facilitate spread of the germs – sand/water play, play with plasticine and cookery activities.
Additional cleaning is being undertaken in all affected secondary schools across the four local authority areas.
Additional advice is being issued to all pre-school facilities in the public and private sectors.
Schools
It was unanimously agreed by the Outbreak Control Team again that all schools should remain open because with the control measures in place, it was safe to do so.
This decision will remain under review as events move on.
With the threat removed, cooked meat will be reintroduced to schools as new suppliers are found and approved and checks have been made to ensure that they meet all food safety and hygiene legislative requirements.
Medical advice
It is important that people with the symptoms (see below) should not take antibiotics. GPs have been reminded of this advice.
Communications
Parents in schools in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Tydfil have been sent a letter updating them on the progress of the investigation and reminding them of public health advice.
The helpline will remain open from 9am -5pm on Saturday and Sunday. The number is 029 2040 2520
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
- Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Health Board
- Food Standards Agency
ENDS
Notes:
What is e-coli O157?
E-coli O157 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 meet, 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 3-8 days of infection, but 3-4 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 young, old or those already unwell, E-coli O157 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 o be supervised.
- Disinfect all areas in the toilet daily (including door handles).
- Infected persons should stay away from work until vomiting and diarrhoea have ceased.
- If the infected person is a food handler, works as a health carer/nurse or is a child attending school or a nursery etc, further advice should be obtained.
Where is more advice available?
A GP or health specialist will be able to advise upon individual patient health care.
The infected person should inform their place of work or, in the case of children, the head teacher of the school to find out if exclusion is necessary and when s/he can return.
The investigating officer will also provide infected people with a more general leaflet on infection control and may be contacted for further advice.
The schools with cases are as follows:
- Abertaf Primary school
- Blaengwawr Primary school
- Pengeulan Primary School
- Cwmdare Primary School
- Rhigos Primary School
- Glenboi Primary School
- Cwmbach Infants School
- St John the Baptist Secondary School
- Penygraig Infants School
- Maesycoed Primary School
- Cynon Infants School
- Caradog Infants School
- Aberdare Town Church School
- Capcoch Primary
- Comin Junior School
- YGG Llwyncelyn
- Cwmlai Primary
- Pen Yr Englyn
- Hirwaun Primary
- Parc Lewis Primary
- Treorchy Comprehensive School
- Bedlinog Primary School, Merthyr
- Troed y Rhiw Infants School, Merthyr
- Pen y dre secondary school, Merthyr
- Upper Rhymney Junior School, Caerphilly
- Archbishop McGrath, Bridgend
- Ysgol Yr Castell, Caerphilly
- Glantaf Infants School
- Brynna Primary