E. coli outbreak in Scotland update

Wednesday 15 August 2007

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is leading an investigation into an outbreak of E. coli O157 in the Paisley area. Its Public Health Protection Unit is working closely with other organisations, including the Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS), Renfrewshire Council and Health Protection Scotland, to identify the source of this infection.

FSAS is involved in the Outbreak Control Team and will offer advice as required to assist the investigation. So far, a 66-year-old woman has died as a result of contracting the infection and her husband, aged 72, is seriously ill in hospital. A 71-year-old woman is unwell but stable in hospital in Paisley; a woman from Paisley holidaying in Ireland has been hospitalised. Four other cases are recovering at home.

E. coli O157 is spread in a number of ways, including eating or drinking contaminated food or drink, direct or indirect contact with infected animals and person-to-person contact.

For consumer advice and updates relating to this outbreak please go to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde website at the link below.