The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), is continuing to work with partners to investigate the recent Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) outbreak. It has confirmed further cases, including two deaths, but numbers of new cases are now decreasing.
As of 25 June, UKHSA has confirmed a total number of 275 cases of STEC O145 in the UK. All currently confirmed cases had symptom onset dates before 4 June. Based on information from 249 cases to date, 49% were admitted to hospital.
In a statement UKHSA commented: “Although case reporting rates are declining, we expect to see more cases linked to this outbreak as further samples are referred to us from NHS laboratories and whole genome sequencing is conducted.”
Through surveillance, UKHSA has identified two individuals in England who died within 28 days of infection with the STEC outbreak strain. Based on the information available from health service clinicians one of these deaths is likely linked to their STEC infection. Both individuals had underlying medical conditions. The deaths occurred in May.
Amy Douglas, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: “We’re pleased that fewer cases have been reported, however we still expect to see a few more cases linked to this outbreak as further samples are referred to us for testing.”
For more information, see the interim summary report from the multi-agency investigation into outbreak STEC O145 identified in May 2024.