22/09/2005

E-coli cases on the increase in Wales

There has been an increasing number of e-coli cases in Wales with 22 identified in the last few days.

Environmental Health Officers are interviewing all close contacts of the cases, as part of a wider in-depth investigation to identify the potential source.

An outbreak control team including officers of the Local Authorities, National Public Health Service and local hospitals is meeting today to oversee the investigations and ensure that the cause of the outbreak is understood and that remedial action is taken as soon as possible.

Head teachers of the schools where pupils have been cases have been contacted and advised to: ensure good personal hygiene with pupils; suspend activities that can facilitate spread of the germs – sand/water play, play with plasticine and cookery activities; ensure thorough cleaning following incidents involving diarrhoea or vomiting in their school and only serve hot cooked meals at lunchtimes.

Parents of pupils in schools where there have been cases have been contacted and advised to ensure their children use good personal hygiene.

(CD)

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