There was a 26 per cent rise in cases of the potentially deadly infection in just one year
Health experts have issued Brits a 48-hour warning amid a rise in cases of an illness that has killed seven people in England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told people to look out for any potential symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC).
STEC is a strain of E.coli that can cause diarrhoea with blood, stomach cramps, and fever. However, in some cases it can also lead to deadly complications such as sepsis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).
It can be spread through contaminated food or through contact with an infected person. Therefore, the UKHSA has urged people not to prepare food for others for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.
This comes following a 26 per cent rise in STEC cases in England in just one year. In a post made to X, the health body said: “We’ve seen an increase in cases of STEC, a foodborne illness that can cause diarrhoea, bloody stools and stomach cramps.
“Children aged one to four years were most affected and we’re reminding parents to make sure young children wash their hands with soap and warm water before eating. Our latest data shows that Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cases have increased by 26 per cent in 2024, compared to 2023.”
The most recent figures show that a total of 2,544 culture-confirmed cases of STEC were reported in England during 2024. Young children were most affected, with the UKHSA linking this to a number of factors including weaker immunity, less developed hygiene practices, a greater likelihood of parents seeking healthcare when young children are symptomatic, and potential exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms.
Last year, around two per cent of STEC cases went on to develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). This condition causes small blood vessels become damaged and inflamed and can lead to kidney failure.
As reported by the UKHSA, there were seven deaths caused by STEC in 2024. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections, food safety and one health at the UKHSA, commented to say: “STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022 and therefore it’s important for people to take steps to prevent infection.
“If you have any STEC symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. Don’t prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.
“It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms. If you are travelling abroad, it’s important to remember routine hygiene practices to reduce your chances of becoming unwell.
“Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly.”
She urged people to consult your GP or healthcare professional if they have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to stay hydrated.
In 2024, the UKHSA investigated five STEC outbreaks involving 467 cases, with 348 in England. The sources for three of these outbreaks were contaminated beef, fresh fruit, and salad leaves.
The largest outbreak was linked to contaminated salad leaves which resulted in 293 cases, including 196 cases in England. Of the 293 cases, 126 cases needed hospital care, 11 developed complications of HUS, and two died.
For more information, including how to protect yourself from STEC, visit the Government website here.