UK: Seven
cases of E.coli investigated
Source of Article: http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5j2zSzLedO5piWHxpYXr-tQQNU82w
An investigation is under way into seven cases of E.coli
in a single village.
NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Council said those
diagnosed with the O157 strain shared a private water supply in eight homes in Auchinclech, near Westhill in Aberdeenshire, in the north east of
The health board said there were eight other individuals with similar
symptoms and an investigation is under way.
NHS Grampian said children were among those suffering from the infection.
Two adults were admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and have since been
discharged, while the remainder were seen by their
GPs.
An NHS Grampian spokesman said: "None of those affected are currently
giving cause for concern."
Householders in the affected homes are being advised to boil their water
while the inquiry to identify the source of the infection continues.
Dr Helen Howie, a consultant in public health
medicine at NHS Grampian, said: "A letter went out to all residents last
night to let them know what is going on."
She added that investigators were examining whether heavy rainfall in the
area in recent weeks could have led to the outbreak.
Dr Howie said: "This outbreak highlights the
risks associated with private water supplies. Such supplies are liable to
bacteriological contamination causing infections such as E.coli
O157. Householders are encouraged to contact the Environmental Health Service
and seek advice on how to improve their supply."
Aberdeenshire Council is also providing advice on
how householders can improve their water quality, including the installation of
filters.
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