E-Coli Update
15.00 Hours 26th 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 10.00 hours today, 117 cases compatible with E coli O157 infection have been identified.
It is now clear that case numbers are in decline. There have only been seven people who have developed symptoms since Wednesday 21st September.
Of the new cases being reported over the last three days, many developed illness before the control measures were put in place and an increasing proportion represent infections acquired in the community outside of schools (see figure with epidemic curve). This includes people catching it from others within the family and people who have eaten cooked meats from community sources other than schools. With the control measures proving effective in schools, this is to be expected.
It is still probable that the number of cases will increase further. This is likely to be because of people who caught the infection from members of their family or other outlets.
There are cases identified from 32 schools where exposure to the source has apparently resulted in infection.
Investigation
The investigations continue both in the laboratories and with the gathering of statistical evidence.
Control measures
Environmental Health Officers across Wales have contacted hundreds of medium-sized caterers, local shops, delicatessens and pubs. They have found very few which have bought cooked meat products from the Bridgend supplier John Tudor and Son. Where outlets have been found, the cooked meat products have been withdrawn.
The aim is to make sure that all possible customers who may have been supplied by John Tudor and Son are identified and meat products withdrawn.
Communications
The Help Line number is 02920 402520. It is open 9am – 5pm.
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.