THE NUMBER of cases of a potentially fatal E.coli-related infection has increased by 200 per cent in the first six months of the year, the Health Service Executive has said.
Recent heavy rainfalls have contributed to the increase.
Some 212 cases of verocytotoxin-producing E.coli (VTEC) were detected in the year up to the end of June compared to 69 cases for the same period last year. Most cases occurred in rural areas.
The bacteria live in animals’ intestines. Farm workers may come in contact with VTEC, and it can contaminate raw meat, unpasteurised dairy products and ready-to-eat fruit and vegetables. It can also enter water supplies.
VTEC causes a mild stomach upset in most, but in a small number it can produce a toxin that may damage the bowel and cause bloody diarrhoea. It can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome in up to 8 per cent of those infected. Of those who develop this, up to 9 per cent die. It is more likely to occur in children under five years.
The highest number of infections was detected in the south, with 48 cases, the midwest with 40 and the midlands with 39. There were 37 in the west and 29 in the northwest. Eight of the outbreaks involved childcare facilities and more than half of all cases were in children under five. There were 13 cases of the related syndrome.
Dr Kevin Kelleher, assistant national director for health protection at the HSE, said a multi-agency group had been set up to examine how to deal with the issue. “Actions will include the roll-out of awareness campaigns for the public, farming communities and childcare facilities as well as ongoing liaison with these groups,” he said.
Steps to prevent the spread of the bacteria include careful hand washing and chlorination or ultra violet treatment of well water. Potentially contaminated meat should be fully cooked and children and the elderly should avoid rare-cooked meat and unpasteurised dairy products. Anyone with diarrhoea should stay away from work, school, childcare facilities and food premises until the diarrhoea has stopped for 48 hours.
