40 E.coli cases in Mid-West region

Up to 40 VTEC E.coli cases have been reported in the Mid-West Region, the Mid-West Health Service Executive has revealed.

 

The figures were confirmed as the HSE established a new multi-agency expert group following increases in VTEC E.coli infections.

Provisional figures from the HSE show a 200% increase in the number of infections notified in Ireland during the first half of 2012, compared with the same period in 2011. This increase comes on top of continual increased incidence rates since 2005.

Two-hundred-and-twelve cases were reported nationally in the first six months of 2012 compared with 69 cases for the same period last year; 40 of the cases this year were reported from Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary, according to Dr Patrick O’Sullivan, director of Public Health, HSE Mid-West.

“VTEC is a germ that can cause infection if swallowed and usually causes a mild illness. Most people recover completely without any problems. However, VTEC produces a toxin that may damage the bowel wall, causing severe bloody diarrhoea. In about 5-8% of cases, the infection causes a life-threatening complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).

“In HUS, the red blood cells are destroyed and kidney failure occurs. Up to 9% of people who develop HUS following VTEC infection die. HUS is more likely to occur in children aged under five and the elderly,” he explained.

“Part of this year’s increase is explained by improved sensitivity of laboratory testing methods and most cases have occurred in rural areas.

“Nationally, eight outbreaks involving childcare facilities have been reported and 56% of cases were in children under the age of five years. There were 13 cases of VTEC-associated HUS,” Dr O’Sullivan said.

The public can help to prevent the spread of VTEC by careful hand-washing. Well-water supplies should be chlorinated or ultraviolet treated before using for drinking, preparing food and brushing teeth.

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

Children and the elderly who are particularly susceptible to HUS should avoid raw or rare meat and unpasteurised dairy products. Raw vegetables and fruit should be peeled or washed in drinking water.
Anyone with diarrhoea should stay away from work, school and especially childcare facilities and food premises until the diarrhoea has stopped for at least 48 hours.

The HSE has initiated a multi-agency group comprising the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the HSE, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Safefood, Teagasc, the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities to look at both short-term and medium-term actions to deal with this problem.

Actions will include the roll-out of awareness campaigns for the public, farming communities and childcare facilities as well as on-going liaison with these groups.