E.coli causing nasty toilet symptom in 50% of cases, warns top doctor as one person dies in UK outbreak
People infected with Stec can suffer diarrhoea, and about 50 percent of cases have bloody diarrhoea
Getty Images
A top doctor has shed light on a symptom that surfaces in 50 percent of people infected with E.coli.
It comes as one person in England has been confirmed dead in connection with the current outbreak, which experts believe has been spread via lettuce leaves.
The death has been linked to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) - one of the most harmful strains of e.coli, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports.
Following the first confirmed death, it’s vital that people understand the telltale signs of the illness and how to treat symptoms effectively, Doctor Donald Dt, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy tells GB News.
Diarrhoea is one of the main symptoms of STEC, the doc warns, adding that it's "crucial" to understand what often accompanies it.
Urgent bowel movements, and bloating can accompany diarrhoea
Getty Images
About 50 percent of cases have bloody diarrhoea.
According to Doctor Grant, this can be accompanied by abdominal cramps due to a change in intestinal activity, urgent bowel movements, and bloating.
It can also "drastically" increase dehydration, meaning consuming (safe) water is necessary to reduce the effects and improve health, he warns.
“The illness can prove risky for those with poor immune systems. Therefore, I recommend seeking urgent medical attention should symptoms continue or worsen," the doc advised.
What we know so far about the first UK death linked to E.coli outbreak
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had identified two people in England who died within 28 days of infection with shiga toxin-producing E.coli (Stec).
“Based on the information available from health service clinicians one of these deaths is likely linked to their Stec infection,” it said.
“Both individuals had underlying medical conditions. The deaths occurred in May.”
As of June 25, there have been a further 19 cases of STEC, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 275 in the UK.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Scientists have linked the current outbreak to lettuce
Getty ImagesA number of food manufacturers have recalled sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major supermarkets and retail chains over fears they are linked to the outbreak.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said lettuce used in the products are thought to be the likely source of the outbreak.
The UKHSA said the number of cases it is seeing is declining, but more will come to light as further samples are referred from NHS laboratories.
So far, there have been 182 cases in England, 58 in Scotland, 31 in Wales and four in Northern Ireland. The latter cases are thought to have acquired their infection in England.
At least 122 people have been admitted to hospital for treatment since the start of the outbreak.