The
Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed on 30th September 2011 that it had investigated some 250 cases of gastrointestinal illness which it says was caused by an unusual strain of E.coli, E.coli O157 PT8. Although these cases were reported to the HPA between December 2010 and July 2011 the agency has only now publicised the details to the general public.
The majority of these cases were mild to moderate but 74 people were assessed in hospital. Four developed Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) and one patient with underlying health problems died.
Following investigations by the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team the team found that people who were ill with this particular strain of E. coli O157 infection were statistically more likely to have lived in a household where leeks sold loose (i.e. not pre-packed) and potatoes bought in or sold from sacks had been handled, than those who had not. There was no evidence to suggest any particular retail source or variety of the produce was responsible for people becoming ill. Illness appears to have been caused by traces of soil carrying the E. coli O157 bacteria present on the vegetables.
The
Food Standards Agency has reminded consumers to follow good hygiene practices when storing and preparing vegetables, in particular it reminds people to remove any loose soil before storing vegetables and salads and to thoroughly wash all vegetables that will be eaten raw and to wash your hands after handling raw vegetables.
Michelle Victor, who acted for more than 120 people what is belived to be one of the UKs largest outbreaks of food poisoning, said of these cases:
“E coli 0157 is a bacterium that lives in the gut of animals, including cattle, sheep, deer and goats. If contacted by humans, the toxins it produces can cause illness. People can become infected through a number of routes including the consumption of contaminated foods, direct contact with animals or contact with animal faeces. The bacterium can cause illness ranging from diarrhoea to a complication, haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which kills red blood cells and can at worst cause permanent kidney damage. In some cases the illness can be fatal. Young children and the elderly at the greatest risk”
Leigh Day and E.coli and food poisoning claims
Partner
Sean Humber 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.
If you would like to speak to one of our solicitors about a possible claim for compensation relating to E.coli please contact
Sean Humber on
020 7650 1200.
Solicitor Michelle Victor has specialist expertise in food poisoning claims and has successfully pursued legal action against tour operators Thompson Holidays, where over 1,000 holiday makers staying at the 4* Bahia Prince Hotel in the Dominion Republic, suffered food poisoning brought on by salmonella, campylobacter, cryptosporidium, shigella and giardia. Michelle also represented over 120 people in what is believed to be one of the UKs largest outbreaks of food poisoning and pursued legal action against A1 Kebabish.
If you would like to speak to one of our solicitors about a possible claim for compensation relating to food poisoning please contact
Michelle Victor on
020 7650 1200.