PHE Confirms Investigations Are Underway Related To Problems

Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed it is working with other agencies to investigate cases of gastrointestinal illness caused by E.coli O157 which have been linked to Huntley’s Country Store in South Ribble, Lancashire.

The organisation is working with environmental health officers from Lancashire and officials from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency to investigate 11 laboratory-confirmed cases of the illness.

Four people have been hospitalised in recent weeks as a result of the problems, with all of the cases visiting a lambing event at Huntley’s Country Store near Salmesbury in South Ribble.

All contact between the public and animals at the site has now ceased.

Dr Ken Lamden, consultant in health protection from the Cumbria and Lancashire PHE Centre, said it was believed the outbreak began before Easter.

PHE added that anyone who visited the lambing event between 29 March and 24 April and who has suffered gastric illness symptoms should seek medical advice or contact NHS 111.

Expert Opinion

Through our work on behalf of victims who have suffered as result of contracting E.coli O157, we have seen first-hand the significant long-term health consequences that the illness can have. <br/> <br/>"It is a very serious issue and it is worrying to see reports of this nature emerge, particularly at a time when the weather is improving and a great number of people will be looking to visit petting farms and zoos and the countryside in general in the coming weeks. <br/> <br/>"We hope that PHE and the bodies it is collaborating with will be able to quickly and thoroughly gain as much information as possible regarding these problems. Any details collected could be of vital importance in providing full answers to victims and ensuring that lessons, where possible, can be learned. <br/> <br/>"All of those affected and their loved ones will be keen for answers and to receive reassurances that these issues will not be repeated in the future." Amandeep Dhillon - Partner