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Media Release
E-Coli Update - 15.00 hours 25th September
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 11.25 hours today, 115 cases compatible with E coli O157 infection have been identified.
Of these, 25 have been admitted to hospital since the beginning of the outbreak. Some have been discharged subsequently however no children from the Merthyr Tydfil are currently hospitalised.
Of the new cases, it appears that more are community-acquired infections. These include people catching it from others within the family and people who have eaten cooked meats in premises other than schools.
With the control measures proving effective in schools, it is to be expected that most new cases will have caught the infection outside schools.
It is still 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.
There are now cases identified from 32 schools where exposure to the source has apparently resulted in infection.
The new school is:
· Hawthorn Primary School, Rhondda Cynon Taff
Investigation
The investigations continue over the weekend both in the laboratories and with the gathering of statistical evidence.
Control measures
Environmental Health Officers across Wales are contacting all small to medium-sized caterers, local shops, delicatessens and pubs, to make sure they withdraw any cooked meat bought from Bridgend supplier John Tudor and Son.
The aim is to make sure that all possible customers who may have been supplied by John Tudor and Son are identified. The investigation to date has been unable to establish the company's full customer list.
Communications
The Help Line number is 02920 402520. It is open 9am – 5pm on Sunday 25th September and in the coming week.
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.