E-Coli Outbreak Prompts Spanish Inquisition

The Health Protection Agency is investigating a number of cases of E. Coli O157 in travellers returning from Benidorm in Spain. According to the BBC, the Health Protection Agency (or HPA) have already been made aware of 14 confirmed cases of gastrointestinal infection.

Four of those suffering have been admitted to hospitals in the UK as a result of the bacteria, two of whom have now been discharged.

The HPA is now working in conjunction with the Spanish health authorities to investigate the illness and plans to interview the confirmed sufferers to try and identify a possible source which may have led to the outbreak of the illness.

E. Coli O157 is a particularly nasty strain of bacteria and while some people may be unaffected, others may suffer from mild or bloody diarrhoea. However, it is possible that some people may suffer from kidney failure. Children are the most vulnerable in this respect.

The presentation of symptoms of E. Coli can take between 1 and 14 days so it may be difficult to pinpoint the location of the outbreak.

The most common cause of E. Coli relates to eating undercooked food, in particular beef. However it can also be caused by drinking contaminated water or unpasteurised milk. Even worse the bacteria can be transferred from person to person and is exceptionally contagious so where somebody develops the symptoms of E. Coli it is exceptionally important for them to observe high standards of hygiene after visiting the bathroom to avoid spreading the disease.

If you suspect that you are suffering from E. Coli infection then it is important to try and drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and avoid further complications.