Seven Confirmed Cases Of Illness Linked To Glasgow Concert Venue
Lawyers who represent victims of illness outbreaks across the world have called for authorities in Glasgow to work quickly to confirm the exact cause of an apparent outbreak of E.coli O157 in the city which has reportedly been linked to the city’s SSE Hydro concert venue.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has said that six people in Scotland and another in Cumbria are recovering at home after falling ill with the bug, adding that the cases were linked to the entertainment venue which opened last September.
In a statement, the body added that burgers at the site have been linked with the problems but other foods are also being considered.
The organisation’s Public Health Protection Unit is working with other health boards, Health Protection Scotland, the Food Standards Agency and Glasgow City Council to investigate the issue.
Irwin Mitchell’s illness lawyers specialise in helping victims of outbreaks all over the world to gain answers and justice over such problems. The team also notably act for more than 30 people affected by the fatal Legionnaires’ outbreak which struck Edinburgh around 18 months ago.
Expert Opinion
While it is welcome that the confirmed victims of this outbreak are recovering, it is hugely important that the organisations investigating these problems cooperate fully with the ultimate aim of providing answers regarding these issues.
"We have seen on numerous occasions how E-coli – and the 0157 strain in particular – can have a huge impact on victims, often leaving them with long term health problems that impact on them for much of their lives.
"Improvements in hygiene can help to reduce the potential risks of the bacteria. The key now will be to ensure the public are kept fully informed of developments and how efforts to mitigate risks are proceeding.
"The only way that efforts to keep the general public safe from such issues can improve is by gathering as much information as possible and being transparent about the process of inquiries." Suki Chhokar - Partner