UK: West Fife family struck down by E.coli after holiday
Monday, 29th September, 2008
Source of Article: http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/articles/1/28901
A
Eleven family members, including a four-year-old boy, took ill
with Verotoxigenic E. Coli (VTEC) but their
conditions are not serious.
Public health experts at NHS Fife are investigating the outbreak.
Dr Margaret Hannah deputy director of public health, said,
"There are no confirmed cases outwith this group
of family and friends.
"In all, 11 members of the group have had diarrhoea,
which they probably acquired abroad.
"None has been seriously ill and seven of them have fully
recovered.
"One four-year-old child within the family attends nursery
school; however the child did not do so whilst he was unwell.
"As a precaution the school concerned has been informed and
information leaflets on E.Coli VTEC given to parents today."
The incubation period for VTEC is usually around one to 14 days
and symptoms can include diarrhoea, feeling sick,
vomiting, stomach pain and fever.
Unpasteurised milk and raw meat may be contaminated with the organism.
However, thorough cooking of meat and the pasteurisation
of milk will destroy the germs.
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