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http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/13/content_12044305.htm
Twelve British children in hospital after E. coli outbreak
www.chinaview.cn 2009-09-13 02:50:37 Print
LONDON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Twelve children were currently in hospital with complications arising from Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) which causes diarrhea and can lead to serious kidney and blood complications, the British Health Protection Agency (HPA) said on Saturday.
They were reportedly to have caught the E. coli following visits to the Godstone Farm in Surrey, which has closed while the Agency carried out an investigation into an outbreak of E. coli among people who have visited there.
The Agency's Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Unit (HPU) is working with local environmental health officers, the Veterinary Laboratory Agency and the Godstone Farm in response to 36 cases of gastrointestinal illness, which is believed to have occurred in early August.
Measures to reduce the risk of the infection spreading were put in place by the farm last week but as more cases have been reported, the farm has agreed to close to enable detailed investigations into the source of the infection.
During the peak of the school holidays, the farm which allows people to see and pet a variety of farm animals, receives up to 2,000 visitors a day.
Director of the Health Protection Unit Angela Iversen said: "This is a large outbreak of this infection. The farm owners are cooperating fully and we are working closely with them and with colleagues across health and local authorities to investigate the source. Our advice is that the farm should remain closed to visitors while this work goes on."
E. coli is an infection that people can pick up when handling or stroking animals, unless hands are thoroughly washed afterwards to minimize the risk, Iversen said.
It can also be spread easily from person to person, so good hygiene is vital, especially for young children whose hand washing after using the toilet and before eating should be supervised, Iversen added.
Twelve British children in hospital after E. coli outbreak
www.chinaview.cn 2009-09-13 02:50:37 Print
LONDON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Twelve children were currently in hospital with complications arising from Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) which causes diarrhea and can lead to serious kidney and blood complications, the British Health Protection Agency (HPA) said on Saturday.
They were reportedly to have caught the E. coli following visits to the Godstone Farm in Surrey, which has closed while the Agency carried out an investigation into an outbreak of E. coli among people who have visited there.
The Agency's Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Unit (HPU) is working with local environmental health officers, the Veterinary Laboratory Agency and the Godstone Farm in response to 36 cases of gastrointestinal illness, which is believed to have occurred in early August.
Measures to reduce the risk of the infection spreading were put in place by the farm last week but as more cases have been reported, the farm has agreed to close to enable detailed investigations into the source of the infection.
During the peak of the school holidays, the farm which allows people to see and pet a variety of farm animals, receives up to 2,000 visitors a day.
Director of the Health Protection Unit Angela Iversen said: "This is a large outbreak of this infection. The farm owners are cooperating fully and we are working closely with them and with colleagues across health and local authorities to investigate the source. Our advice is that the farm should remain closed to visitors while this work goes on."
E. coli is an infection that people can pick up when handling or stroking animals, unless hands are thoroughly washed afterwards to minimize the risk, Iversen said.
It can also be spread easily from person to person, so good hygiene is vital, especially for young children whose hand washing after using the toilet and before eating should be supervised, Iversen added.