E. Coli, Norovirus and Cryptosporidium Outbreaks

Following news that a third person has been diagnosed with a potentially deadly bug at a Lanarkshire nursery, a leading Scottish lawyer is appealing for organisations to review their safety procedures to reduce the risk of dangerous outbreaks.

Two children and one adult have been exposed to E. Coli strain 0157 at the Step by Step Nursery in Cumbernauld. This comes less than three weeks after an outbreak of Norovirus was confirmed at five-star hotel the Glasgow Hilton, and only one week after a swimming pool at the Tryst Sports Centre, also in Cumbernauld, was temporarily shut down after 16 people became infected with cryptosporidium.

Elaine Russell, partner at the Glasgow office of Irwin Mitchell, said: "It's worrying to see so many outbreaks of these dangerous illnesses occurring so close together, especially when children are being placed in harm’s way. As a firm we deal with many people affected by these illnesses and though they are often simple to treat, occasionally symptoms can be severe and long-lasting, even fatal.

"Organisations have a duty of care to ensure that their hygiene standards are of an adequate level, in order to minimise the risk of outbreaks of this nature. In many instances, simple health and safety procedures can prevent infection from starting and spreading. We should be looking to do more to ensure these procedures are put in place and strictly followed so that further people are not put at risk."