E. coli O157 outbreak – update
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is continuing to investigate an outbreak of E coli O157 at Holly House nursery in the Lurgan area.
A further two cases of infection have been identified through routine screening of household contacts. This brings the total number of cases to 14. None of the cases has been seriously ill.
Dr Neil Irvine, Consultant in Health Protection at the Public Health Agency said: “Further cases may occur due to household transmission of E. coli 0157. As part of standard procedures, we are screening household contacts of confirmed cases. Contacts have been given advice to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.”
The PHA continues to monitor the situation and is working closely with the nursery to ensure all infection control measures are being taken.
A further update will be issued on Friday 10 September 2010.
For further information contact the PHA press office on 028 9031 1611.
1. Due to patient confidentiality and the duty to respect a person’s privacy, the PHA is not in a position to release personal information on individual cases.
2. A factsheet on E. coli O157 is available on the PHA website. www.publichealth.hscni.net