Number of Victims Reaches 111 Nationally

Residents and staff at a Brighton care home have become the latest victims of a national E. Coli outbreak in which more than 100 people have been infected by the deadly bacteria.

Two residents and one staff member at Maycroft Manor Care Home in Brighton, have been taken ill with the O157 strain of the bug – bringing those infected up to 111 nationwide.

Leading Public Health lawyers have urged Public Health England (PHE) to make their investigation into the cause of the outbreak “fast but thorough” to spare others from falling ill.

Expert Opinion

“It is imperative that the cause of this outbreak is quickly identified so that others are not affected by this serious infection.

“As Public Health lawyers we have seen first-hand how serious E. coli can be and we know of the significant and potentially long -lasting impact it can have upon those affected.

“This latest outbreak is of particular concern because those at the care home will be even more vulnerable due to their age.

“As well as reducing the risk of further people being affected, a swift and thorough investigation by Public Health England should also ensure that lessons can be learned which in turn could improve safety and reduce the risk of further outbreaks occurring in the future.” Amandeep Dhillon - Partner

E. coli O157 infection can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe diarrhoea with abdominal pain, and can cause more serious medical conditions and even death. It can be caught by eating contaminated food or by contact with infected animals, or passed on from person to person, if hand and toilet hygiene is poor.

Although the root of the infection is not yet confirmed, preliminary investigations by PHE show many of those people affected had consumed salad leaves prior to falling ill. PHE said at this stage it was not ruling out other food items as a potential source, however, they have issued advisory notices that people can protect themselves from infection by washing their hands before eating and handling food, as well as washing vegetables and salads thoroughly before eating them.

Maycroft Manor said it was working closely with all relevant authorities, including Public Health England and Brighton and Hove City Council’s Environmental Health Team, and has comprehensive measures in place to protect residents and staff.

As a precautionary measure, the care home has asked day visitors to stay away until further notice.