What is E.coli as one person confirmed dead amid outbreak?

One person has died following a UK outbreak of E. coli, health officials have said.

Thirty confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) have been recorded across England and Scotland since late July in people aged seven to 81, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). It added that one person from Scotland with the infection has died.

The announcement comes after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced a precautionary recall of four products from cheesemaker Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese on Christmas Eve because of possible E. coli contamination, with a fifth added on 27 December.

It has also been reported that a teenage girl was left fighting for her life after she caught a deadly strain of E. coli - in what her family suspect came from food at a Christmas market in November, although it is not known what food she had eaten to have caught it.

Announcing the death in Scotland from E. coli, the UKHSA said investigations are continuing into any common links between cases, including links to the recalled cheeses. It said: "One death has been associated with this outbreak. Epidemiological and food chain investigations have identified links between some of the identified cases and a number of unpasteurised cheeses produced by a business in England.”

Recommended reading

• E. coli ‘caught at Christmas market’ leaves teenage girl fighting for life (Telegraph)

• Oh Good – These Cheeses Have Been Recalled Due To An E. coli Outbreak In The UK (HuffPost)

• Person from Scotland dies following E. coli outbreak in UK (Glasgow Times)

What is E. coli?

Escherichia Coli (E. coli) is a bacteria that can be found in the bowel of most people. Although most strains of these bacteria are harmless, some - such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) - produce toxins that can make you sick and cause diarrhoea.

What are the symptoms of E. Coli?

Symptoms of STEC infections can vary, but often include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), stomach cramps, vomiting and sometimes haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) – a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal. Most people with HUS recover completely within a few weeks, although for some it can be fatal.

Symptoms of STEC infections typically appear 3-4 days after eating (or having direct contact with) a contaminated product, but can range from 1-10 days. According to Public Health England, STEC symptoms can last up to two weeks in cases without complications.

Can STEC be treated?

According to Public Health England (PHE), there is no specific treatment for STEC infection. PHE says: "The illness is usually self-limiting, and will clear itself within a week. It is important to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. Antibiotics are not recommended, and are likely to increase the risk of getting complications such as HUS."

How can you avoid getting STEC?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the primary sources of STEC outbreaks are raw or undercooked ground meat products, raw milk, and faecal contamination of vegetables. The WHO points out that STEC is heat-sensitive so basic food hygiene practices such as "cook thoroughly" are key.