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Privacy NoticeThe UK has seen a spike in E. coli cases, also known as Escherichia coli, a bacteria that can cause symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and stomach cramps. As of early July this year, the UK Health Security Agency confirmed 288 cases in the UK. Although the outbreak is expected to decrease, there’s been an increase in cases this summer, particularly among young adults. It remains a contagious infection that can lead to severe illness. Carolina Goncalves, a superintendent pharmacist and health expert at pharmica.co.uk, explains, “Warmer temperatures and complacency regarding food safety along with personal hygiene are likely to be the cause of E. coli spreading across the country.”
There has been a spike of E. coli cases in the UK
(Image: GETTY)
“Some cases have been traced back to supermarket sandwiches containing lettuce thought to be contaminated with E. coli. People can also contract a strain of E. coli through other contaminated foods, water, or contact with infected people or animals.” Amanda Holden’s daughter, Lexi Hughes, faced a serious health scare when she was hospitalised with VTEC E. coli, which Amanda described in an interview as “a very harmful strain of bacteria that’s very rare in humans”. The TV favourite shared the harrowing moments when she rushed her 18 year old to a specialist hospital after being warned Lexi was “in danger of contracting sepsis”, despite antibiotic treatment. At the hospital, Lexi was treated with IV fluids and stayed for five days to recover, reports the Mirror. The incident occurred back in May, ahead of the wider public awareness of the outbreak, leaving the source of Lexi’s illness initially unknown. By bringing attention to her daughter’s ordeal, Amanda aims to support others who might have been misdiagnosed with conditions like stress or anxiety. We delve into the best ways to dodge this nasty bug and suggest treatments if you do catch it.
Amanda Holden’s daughter Lexi was diagnosed with VTEC E. coli
(Image: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Causes E. coli has various causes, but most are linked to “contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals or people”, says Carolina. Specific risks include undercooked meats like ground beef, unpasteurised dairy products, and certain raw veggies such as spinach and lettuce. “This contamination often occurs during the food production process. E. coli can also be present in water sources that have been contaminated.” Symptoms Some symptoms can be quite mild, not requiring hospital treatment or antibiotics, but others can be more severe. Carolina explains: “E. coli symptoms typically occur within three to four days after exposure, though it can range from one to 10 days. One of the hallmark symptoms is severe abdominal cramping, usually accompanied by diarrhoea. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms which can result in dehydration.” The condition can be worse in young children, elderly people and those with underlying conditions that affect their immune system. Diagnosis After experiencing symptoms of E. coli, infections are typically diagnosed by checking a “sample of an individual’s stools for traces of this bacterium”, Carolina says. “If there are no traces of E. coli, but it is thought that the individual may be infected, then additional blood and urine tests can be conducted.” Treatment There are several treatment options available for those with E. coli and Carolina explains that it “requires the careful management of symptoms”. She says, “Hydration is key as it can help flush toxins and bacteria while maintaining kidney function. Doctors may prescribe over-the-counter medication to treat specific symptoms, such as nausea and stomach cramps. In more severe cases, intravenous (IV) drips may be required to keep the patient hydrated (they are typically administered in a hospital).”
Medication can be prescribed to help with nausea and stomach cramps
(Image: GETTY)
Cases “The UK Health Security Agency announced a rise in E. coli cases early last month, and several people have since been affected,” says the health expert. “While additional epidemiological data would be required to confirm whether this issue is likely to persist, it is reasonable to assume that the recent hot temperatures may be contributing to this issue and the rise in cases, as bacteria such as E. coli thrive in warmer temperatures when food is more likely to spoil faster.” ‘I suffered from E. coli after my first baby’s birth’ Claire contracted E. coli after welcoming her first child when she was 39 years old… “I suffered from E. coli after I gave birth to my first child and had surgery. I had a high temperature and severe stomach pain, which felt almost like contractions. I kept saying something felt wrong but was told, ‘You’ve just had a baby. ‘ But I knew it was more than that as I felt awful. I felt tired and sick, and after 24 hours I started shaking uncontrollably as I had gone into shock. That’s when they did a blood test and started me on an antibiotics IV. “I had the antibiotics IV and once they realised it was E. coli they changed me to stronger antibiotics it didn’t clear up and I was in hospital for eight days. When I went home I had a green liquid/paste-like substance coming from the incision, which smelt foul. This meant I had to go back in for more IV antibiotics in total I was on antibiotics for 13 weeks. “Having E. coli shortly after giving birth affected how I felt as a new mum because it meant I had to spend longer in hospital. It also meant I had to express [milk] instead of breastfeed because of the strength of the antibiotics I was on, which was heartbreaking. I was 39 at the time and it had taken me 10 years to get my beautiful baby as I’d had eight miscarriages before. I felt robbed of the first few months of motherhood as I felt so poorly it probably took me around 6-8 months until I felt fully recovered. Luckily I wasn’t concerned that my newborn could get E. coli as I asked them about transfer and they said it wasn’t possible. “When I had E. coli I was quite worried as I felt really unwell, it does make you realise how serious it can be. “.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnAmanda HoldenHealth
