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15/10/2012
E. Coli Outbreak Under Investigation
A popular restaurant in Belfast has been closed following an outbreak of E. Coli.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is currently investigating an outbreak of the bacteria at Flicks restaurant on York Street.
The restaurant management has voluntarily closed the premises and is assisting PHA with the investigation.
The first case was detected on October 9 and the restaurant closed on October 11.
So far, ten confirmed or suspected cases have been identified and are being treated in hospital.
PHA are advising anyone who ate at Flicks restaurant on or after September 24 and has symptoms of diarrhoea, particularly bloody diarrhoea or abdominal pain, to contact their GP urgently for medical advice.
Dr Michael Devine, Public Health Consultant, PHA, said: "We alerted general practitioners on Friday that there had been an increase in E coli in the Belfast area and then subsequently, on Saturday, we advised particularly of the association with Flicks restaurant.
"At this stage it seems to be mainly adults involved, but obviously our investigations are ongoing and it may be that children have been affected."
He explained: "The Escherichia coli bacteria is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
"Symptoms caused by E. coli O157 can include diarrhoea, which can range from mild to profuse watery or bloody diarrhoea, tummy cramps, nausea or vomiting."
Flicks say they closed the restaurant as soon as they were contacted by the PHA and it is understood they are cooperating fully in locating the source of the outbreak.
(IT/GK)
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is currently investigating an outbreak of the bacteria at Flicks restaurant on York Street.
The restaurant management has voluntarily closed the premises and is assisting PHA with the investigation.
The first case was detected on October 9 and the restaurant closed on October 11.
So far, ten confirmed or suspected cases have been identified and are being treated in hospital.
PHA are advising anyone who ate at Flicks restaurant on or after September 24 and has symptoms of diarrhoea, particularly bloody diarrhoea or abdominal pain, to contact their GP urgently for medical advice.
Dr Michael Devine, Public Health Consultant, PHA, said: "We alerted general practitioners on Friday that there had been an increase in E coli in the Belfast area and then subsequently, on Saturday, we advised particularly of the association with Flicks restaurant.
"At this stage it seems to be mainly adults involved, but obviously our investigations are ongoing and it may be that children have been affected."
He explained: "The Escherichia coli bacteria is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
"Symptoms caused by E. coli O157 can include diarrhoea, which can range from mild to profuse watery or bloody diarrhoea, tummy cramps, nausea or vomiting."
Flicks say they closed the restaurant as soon as they were contacted by the PHA and it is understood they are cooperating fully in locating the source of the outbreak.
(IT/GK)
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Further cases relating to the outbreak of E. coli linked to a Belfast restaurant have been confirmed by the Public Health Agency (PHA). Flicks restaurant on York Street in the city has voluntarily closed, following an outbreak of the bacteria which occurred on October 9.
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