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Shoppers are
being reminded to thoroughly wash mixed salad leaves amid concern that this
food could be the source of an E. coli outbreak that has killed two and
infected more than 150 people in the UK.
Public Health
England says it
is still working to establish the exact cause.
Many of those struck down by the E. coli
O157 bug had eaten pre-packed salad, including rocket leaves.
People usually notice symptoms three to
four days after they have been infected, but symptoms can start any time
between one and 14 days afterwards and last for up to two weeks.
Some people will have no symptoms, but
others can develop serious complications and will need medical help.
Public Health England says the strain
involved is likely to be imported, possibly from the Mediterranean area.
To date, it has been informed of 151
cases - 144 people in England, six in Wales and one in Scotland.
Of these, 62 needed hospital care and
two patients died.
Most of the cases of the outbreak in
England were clustered in the South West.
Dr Isobel Oliver from PHE, said:
"All food sample results to date have been negative for E. coli O157 - but
it's important to be aware that where food has been contaminated with E. coli
O157, it is not always possible to identify the bacteria on food testing.
"As an additional precautionary
measure, we have advised a small number of wholesalers to cease adding some
imported rocket leaves to their mixed salad products pending further
investigations."
People can help protect themselves from
possible infection by washing their hands before eating and handling food and
by thoroughly washing vegetables and salads that they are preparing to eat
(unless they have been pre-prepared and are specifically labelled "ready
to eat").
E. coli O157 is found in the gut and
faeces of many animals, particularly cattle, and can contaminate food and
water.
Outbreaks of O157 are rare compared with
other food-borne diseases.
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Avoiding E. coli infection
- Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet, before and after handling food, and after handling animals.
- Remove any loose soil before storing vegetables and salads.
- Wash all vegetables and fruits that will be eaten raw.
- Store and prepare raw meat and unwashed vegetables away from ready-to-eat foods.
- Do not prepare raw vegetables with utensils that have also been used for raw meat.
- Cook all minced meat products, such as burgers and meatballs, thoroughly.
- People who have been ill should not prepare food for others for at least 48 hours after they have recovered.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-36823404
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