Warning over 200% rise in lethal E-coli cases

A taskforce has been set up after a 200% increase in the number of a potentially lethal VTEC E-coli infections in Ireland this year.

The HSE confirmed yesterday that 212 cases of the infection were reported in the first six months of the year compared to just 69 cases for the same period last year.

Most of the cases were reported in rural areas, with 48 cases reported in the HSE South region alone.

The number of cases has been increasing steadily since 2005.

VTEC is a germ that can cause infection if swallowed and usually causes a mild illness. Most people recover completely.

However, VTEC produces a toxin that may damage the bowel wall, causing severe, bloody diarrhoea.

HSE public health specialist Dr Anne Sheahan said that in about 5% to 8% of cases, the infection causes a life-threatening complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which destroys red blood cells and can lead to kidney failure.

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is more likely to occur in children aged under five and elderly people. “Up to 9% of people who develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome following VTEC infection die,” said Dr Sheahan. “Nationally, eight outbreaks involving childcare facilities have been reported and 56% of cases were in children under the age of 5 years. There were 13 cases of VTEC associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome.”

Part of this year’s rise can be explained by improved sensitivity of laboratory testing methods, said Dr Sheahan.

People can help to prevent the spread of VTEC by:

* Careful hand washing after handling animals, after using the toilet, after helping others use the toilet, or changing nappies, before eating, and before and after preparing food;

* Helping and supervising young children when washing their hands;

* Ensuring that wells and septic tanks are designed, constructed, installed, and maintained properly.

VTEC is killed by heat, and Dr Sheahan said meat, especially minced meat and burgers, that could be contaminated with VTEC should be fully cooked.

Children and elderly people should avoid raw or rare meat and unpasteurised dairy. Raw vegetables and fruit should be peeled or washed in drinking water.

Public health experts urged anyone with diarrhoea to stay away from work, school, and especially childcare facilities and food premises until the diarrhoea had stopped for at least 48 hours.

They also appealed to childcare workers and crèche owners to ensure that they have policies and practices are in place to prevent transmission of VTEC.

The HSE has set up a multi-agency taskforce, with members drawn from the departments of health and agriculture and food, the HSE, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Safefood, Teagasc, the Environmental Protection Agency, and local authorities to examine ways of tackling the problem.

Awareness campaigns for the public, farming communities, and childcare facilities are planned.