Children to be tested for E. coli O157 as a precautionary measure

18 September 2009

Any children attending Brooklands nursery in Wigan who have had episodes of diarrhoea at any time since Monday 7 September are to be tested for E.coli O157 as a precautionary measure.

The decision to test children with diarrhoeal illness was taken after it was discovered that a child who spent a week in the nursery whilst symptomatic has the infection.

The child, who first developed mild diarrhoea whilst on holiday and before returning to the nursery, is making a good recovery at home.

Dr. Lorraine Lighton, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with the HPA's Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit, said: "Having discovered that a child who had mild diarrhoeal illness whilst in the nursery has E.coli O157 we have taken a precautionary approach by testing children who have experienced symptoms of diarrhoea at any time over the past 10 days.

"We are working closely with Environmental Health Officers from Wigan Council, colleagues from NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan and the nursery's management and staff, who are cooperating fully. The child first developed symptoms whilst on holiday and there is no suggestion that the source of infection is in the nursery."

Note to Editors:

E. coli O157 is a bacterium that can cause an infection of the bowel. It is spread from contact with animals or infected meat products and it can also spread from person-to-person.

The incubation period is usually 1 to 6 days, with an average of 2 days. Symptoms will include diarrhoea which is usually mild and settles within 2 weeks. However, a few people may have a more serious illness with bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, raised temperature and shivering attacks.

The medical advice is to drink plenty of fluids, particularly if there is diarrhoea and to rest. Antibiotics should not be given for this illness. If diarrhoea persists, or if blood or slime is present, patients should contact their GP.

Spread of the disease can be prevented by hand washing by everyone in the household. Hands must be washed after using the toilet, before handling food, after handling raw food and before eating. Young children should be supervised when washing hands, or have their hands washed for them.

Press release issued by Hugh Lamont, Communications Manager, HPA North West. Tel 0151-482-5728 or 07764-906508.

Last reviewed: 18 September 2009