E coli: Contaminated lettuce thought to be behind outbreak, as death is reported

One death has been linked to the recent UK outbreak of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC),1 which has now seen 275 people infected, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.2As at 25 June there had been 182 confirmed STEC O145 cases in England, 58 in Scotland, 31 in Wales, and four in Northern Ireland. The UKHSA said all confirmed cases showed symptoms before 4 June and that reporting rates are declining, although it expects to see more cases confirmed as further samples are tested and sequenced.The Food Standards Agency said the outbreak is likely to be linked to contaminated lettuce.So far, around half (49%) of the infected people have been admitted to hospital. This is based on available information for 249 cases. Two people have also died within 28 days of infection in England. The UKHSA said, “One of these deaths is likely linked to their STEC infection….
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