Public Health Wales Reveal Two Children Affected By Illness

Specialist public health lawyers at Irwin Mitchell who represent victims of illness outbreaks across the world, have urged for swift action following new concerns regarding a suspected E. coli outbreak in the UK, with two children falling ill in Wales.

Public Health Wales and Conwy County Borough Council have reported that they are investigating the cases involving the children who both attend ‘Childcare Settings’, although the source of the infection is not believed to relate to those locations. Both children are thought to be recovering at home, whilst the affected childcare providers have also voluntarily closed, with other youngsters and staff being screened for infection.

The cases are just the latest E. coli issues to emerge in recent weeks, following reports that 38 people have contracted a form of the illness which has been potentially linked to pre-packaged salad bought from a supermarket chain. The majority of the cases emerged in Cheshire, Anglia and Merseyside.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist illness lawyers represent victims affected by a range of outbreaks in the UK and abroad, including a number of those affected by an E. coli outbreak linked to an outlet of Robinson’s Butchers in the North-East.

Expert Opinion

“It is clearly a major concern to see these issues emerge, particularly following a worrying spate of similar outbreaks in recent months. <br/> <br/>“The nature of our work means that we have seen how E. coli is an incredibly serious illness and can have a significant and lasting impact upon those affected, particularly more vulnerable groups such as young people and the elderly. <br/> <br/>“With this in mind, it is clear that Public Health Wales and local authorities must collaborate effectively to swiftly determine the source of these latest problems. <br/> <br/>“As well as reducing the risk of further people being affected, a swift and thorough investigation should also ensure that lessons can be learned which in turn could improve safety and reduce the risk of further issues arising in the future.” Jennifer Hodgson - Senior Associate