Children are facing three potentially serious infections through what they eat, drink and do this summer
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a warning to parents as the summer holidays kick off, particularly those with young children who could unwittingly come into contact with harmful bacteria during their break. The agency has highlighted three specific infections to be wary of: salmonella, Campylobacter and Shiga toxin producing E coli (STEC).
These bacteria are quite prevalent during the summer months and are typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. Early symptoms for all three infections include stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhoea, which may be bloody.
If your child experiences severe or bloody diarrhoea, signs of dehydration, or symptoms that persist longer than expected, it’s recommended to get in touch with your GP or dial 111.
STEC
Cattle are the most common source of this infection, which can be passed on through contaminated food, animals, drinking water, or swimming water. It is highly infectious and can easily spread through families, nursing homes, and schools.
There is no specific treatment and the symptoms, which usually consist of diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever, should start to subside after about two weeks if there are no other complications.
STEC can lead to a range of complications, such as causing the colon to become inflamed and bleed. In around 10 per cent of cases, particularly affecting children and elderly patients, STEC can develop into haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
This is a grave complication that harms the tiny blood vessels in the kidney, potentially leading to kidney failure. In adults, the infection can also trigger thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura, a rare condition causing small blood clots throughout the body, often beginning with flu-like symptoms.
More details about STEC are available here.
Campylobacter
Typically, this bacterium is the culprit behind most instances of gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. Nearly one in 10 people contract this infection annually, according to the World Health Organisation.
Symptoms may manifest up to 10 days post-infection and can persist for up to six days. The most common indicators include diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
The infection can lead to severe complications such as pancreatitis, reactive arthritis, and miscarriage. However, fatalities from campylobacteriosis are uncommon. It’s primarily transmitted through food like undercooked meat, raw milk, and contaminated water or ice.
Salmonella
This bacterium resides in the guts of various wild and domestic animals, including chickens, cattle, pigs, hedgehogs, snakes, and lizards. It’s notorious for its food poisoning capabilities. More information can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever typically appear between 12 and 72 hours after infection. These usually persist for about four to seven days, but if the symptoms don’t subside by this time, it’s advisable to seek medical advice.