A large outbreak of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) caused by E. coli O104, a rare and virulent strain of the bacteria, has been reported to have so far claimed the lives of 16 people with over one thousand further people affected.
The outbreak is centred in Germany although cases have also been reported in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK, mostly affecting visiting German nationals or recent visitors to Germany.
The source of the outbreak is unknown. Initial reports that organic Spanish cucumbers were the cause have not been substantiated by further tests.
At present the German authorities are advising that people in Germany should avoid eating tomatoes, cucumbers and leafy salads, including lettuce. In the UK, the Health Protection Agency is advising that travellers to Germany follow this advice. In addition, they advise that anyone returning from Germany with illness including bloody diarrhoea should seek urgent medical attention and make sure that those treating them are aware of their recent travel history.
Sean Humber of Leigh Day and Co stated:
“The priority now is to ensure that those infected receive the best medical care available. In due course it will be necessary to critically review the source of the infection and consider whether those affected have a claim for compensation”.
Background to verocytotoxin-producing E Coli (VTEC)
E.coli is a bacterium many strains of which live harmlessly in the guts of humans and animals. However, a number of strains, including O104, can produce harmful toxins that can cause a range of serious health problems in humans.
Verocytotoxin-producing E.coli were first identified as a cause of human illness in 1982. Since then, there have been increasing reports of outbreaks of ill health associated with Verocytotoxin producing E.coli with approximately 1,000 cases reported a year, although it seems likely that the problem remains grossly under-investigated and under-reported.
Infection with Verocytotoxin-producing E.coli poses particular dangers to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and the sick.
The symptoms in humans following infection can vary widely. In some cases there can be no symptoms at all, while in other cases those infected can suffer from diarrhoea. However, in others, the infection causes very serious health problems which can even result in death. These problems include:
- haemorrhagic colitis (HC) – associated with inflammation of the bowel with bloody diarrhoea and severe abdominal cramps,
- haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) – associated with red blood cell destruction, anaemia, low platelet count and renal failure,
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TPP) – with symptoms similar to HUS but the central nervous system is also be affected.
In the worst reported outbreak in the UK, over 400 people were infected and 21 people died in Wishaw, Strathclyde in 1996 after eating infected meat from a local butcher with inadequate food hygiene standards. In 2005, over 150 people, mostly children, were infected in South Wales. Thirty one people were admitted to hospital and one five year old boy died. Again infected meat from a local butcher and a failure of food hygiene standards at the butcher was found to be the cause.
Infection with Verocytotoxin-producing E coli
Humans can become infected with Verocytotoxin-producing E.coli in a variety of different ways. These include direct contact with animals carrying the organism, contact with their faeces or contact with contaminated food or water.
Overall, it is believed that the most common cause of Verocytotoxin-producing E. coli infection in humans is through consumption of undercooked minced beef (eg beefburgers) and unpasteurised milk. Infection can spread from person to person as a result of poor hygiene practices allowing faecal – oral spread.
Leigh Day and Co and E coli compensation claims
Sean Humber, a partner in the Human Rights Department of Leigh Day & Co, is the legal advisor of the Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome Help - U.K. E.Coli Support Group (HUSH).
HUSH is a charitable organisation set up by families whose members have suffered illnesses caused by Verocytotoxin-producing E coli infections. The organisation is supported by members of the medical, microbiological, public health and legal professions.
HUSH’s aims include supporting those affected by the infection, increasing awareness amongst the public and medical profession of the health problems caused by the infection and to encourage the Government to take steps to decrease the numbers affected.
Sean has considerable experience with dealing with claims for compensation by those affected by Verocytotoxin-producing E.coli and other types of food poisoning (including Salmonella) and microbiological infection (including toxic mould) during the last 10 years.
Sean is recognised as being an expert in this specialist area of environmental law in the latest edition of the Legal 500.
Contact us
If you believe that you or a member of your family has suffered health problems as a result of an E. coli infection, Leigh Day & Co solicitors have the knowledge and skill to investigate and represent you in any claim you may have. Should you wish discuss a possible claim please contact Sean Humber on 020 7650 1200.
Information was correct at time of publishing. See terms and conditions for further details.