Re:E-coli outbreak infects 14 people

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E-coli outbreak infects 14 people Nine patients ate meat products from Todd's Pork and Beef ButchersFourteen people have been affected by an outbreak of the E.coli bug in Leeds. A five-year-old girl and an 82-year-old woman are among those struck down by the potentially fatal 0157 strain, though none is critically ill. The West Yorkshire Health Protection Unit and Leeds City Council said the source had been

confirmed as Todd's Pork and Beef Butchers in Armley. Dr Martin Schweiger, from the unit, said he had "serious concerns" more people could be taken ill. The public has been warned not to eat or feed to pets any cooked meats or meat products known to have come from the butchers. The shop, which supplies 18 butchers, cafes and delicatessens in the area, has closed while investigations continue. A joint statement from Leeds City Council and the Health Protection Agency said nine of the 14 people affected had eaten food from Todd's. Fortunately, nobody

so far has died and that's a source of relief . . .I hope it stays that way Dr Martin Schweiger, West Yorkshire Health Protection Unit Dr Schweiger said: "I am very concerned that we have not got to the end of the outbreak yet and I am very concerned that we may still get some very seriously ill people. "The first case was on 23 June and the oldest lady came to our attention on Saturday morning. "Usually you get one or two, then two or three, but this is ongoing and could get very nasty." About 12 of those affected were taken to hospital and health bosses said the majority were still receiving treatment. Dr Schweiger said: "In numerical terms it's small scale but we are dealing with an organism that in other outbreaks

has had quite a high death rate. "Fortunately, nobody so far has died and that's a source of relief. I hope it stays that way." People with the bug usually show symptoms between three and eight days after infection, though three-to-four days is more usual. Peter H

 

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