Scottish officials are investigating recent incidents of E. coli infections affecting children.
Escherichia coli. E. coli O157 infected an unknown number of young people in East Lothian, Scotland.
A multi-agency incident management team is meeting to address these cases to see if they are disease related. Officials said they were unable to provide information on the number of sick people, how long they were sick, age ranges or genders to protect patients’ privacy.
PhD. Richard Othieno, NHS Lothian Public Health Medical Adviser, said: “We know of many confirmed cases of E. coli O157 among children in East Lothian. NHS Lothian is working with partner agencies to investigate the source and control measures have been put in place.
“There is no specific treatment for E. coli O157 infection, and most infected people will get better without medical treatment. However, those with symptoms or concerns are advised to contact their GP or NHS 24,” he said.
In 2019, there were 150 cases of E. coli O157 and 108 of non-O157 STECs have been reported to Public Health Scotland. Infection rates are highest in children under 5, peaking during the summer months.
E. E. coli can be infected in different ways, Examples include eating contaminated food, touching infected animals or their faeces, touching sick people, or drinking contaminated water.
About E. coli Infection
Anyone experiencing symptoms of an E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about possible food poisoning Specific tests are needed to diagnose the infection, which may be similar to other illnesses.
Symptoms of E. coli infection vary from person to person, but usually include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is usually bloody Yes. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others may experience severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About 5% to 10% of people diagnosed with E. coli infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS These include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, less frequent urination, small unexplained bruising or bleeding, and paleness.
Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some Suffering permanent injury or death. This condition can occur in people of any age, but is most common in children under the age of five because their immune systems are immature, in older adults because of a deteriorating immune system, and in people with compromised immune systems people, such as those with cancer.
People with symptoms of HUS should seek emergency medical care immediately. People with HUS may be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems, such as High blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, brain injury and neurological problems.
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