UKHSA 'bacterial infections' statement as 'significant cause' highlighted

UKHSA 'bacterial infections' statement as 'significant cause' highlighted While many strains exist harmlessly, others can prove fatal The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has produced an alert over a lethal bacterial infection. The UKHSA, which exists to protect people from health threats, is warning people over the dangers of Escherichia coli - commonly known as E.coli. The NHS explains that E. coli, which is found in food, the intestines of animals and people, and even the environment, is often harmless. However, it can be divided into two groups: - those that can produce Shiga toxin, known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) – this includes E. coli O157 - those that can’t produce Shiga toxin STEC are known to cause more severe illness than E. coli that does not produce the Shiga toxin. Symptoms can include severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea, and kidney failure. The UKHSA said: "Bacteria like E.coli are a significant cause of gastrointestinal illness. Diarrhoea and vomiting can typically be managed at home. Make sure you rest, and drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration." It continued: "E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains exist harmlessly in the digestive system, others may cause infections, including gastrointestinal illness. The bacterium is present in poo and can survive in the environment. "Bacteria are frequently 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. E. coli bacteria can cause a range of infections including urinary tract infection, cystitis (infection of the bladder), and intestinal infection. E. coli bacteraemia (blood stream infection) may be caused by primary infections spreading to the blood." Symptoms Symptoms often do not occur immediately, and often take up to four days to appear. Symptoms include: - diarrhoea - stomach pain - vomiting - fever - bloody diarrhoea Some people become infected but don’t develop symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic carriage. Others - usually children - come down with a serious, life-threatening condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include: - peeing less - pee is pink or brown in colour - tiredness - swelling - bruising This can sometimes lead to kidney failure and death, although this is rare. The risk of HUS is highest in children aged under five years of age. You should contact your GP immediately if you notice bloody diarrhoea from your child. What do to For many people with a STEC infection, there is no treatment other than to stay at home and stay well hydrated on things such as water or squash. You should rest as much as possible, eat when possible - avoiding fatty or spicy foods - and take paracetamol if needed. Avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks, as these can excerbate diarrhoea, while anti-diarrhoeal medication to children under 12 years and aspirin to children under 16 years is also not advised. Diarrhoea typically resolves within 5 to 7 days, while vomiting usually stops within 1 to 2 days. You should also wash your hands frequently, clean surfaces, stay away from work or school, and do not visit others to limit the spread. Avoiding public swimming pools for a minimum of 48 hours after symptoms go is also advised.