E. coli O157 – Update 16 Oct 2012

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing an investigation of an outbreak of E. coli O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast.The situation is changing constantly and as of 9pm on Monday 15 October 2012, there are 20 confirmed cases and 118 probable cases. Six people have been hospitalised since the start of the outbreak, but most have now gone home.

Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC)

VTEC areecoli a group of bacteria which cause illness in humans. The most important VTEC strain to cause illness in the UK is E. coli O157. Symptoms can range from mild gastroenteritis to severe bloody diarrhoea, mostly without fever, through to two serious conditions known as haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP) that affect the blood, kidneys and in severe cases the central nervous system.

E. coli O157 - Update

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast.Health Protection staff from the PHA are currently working with Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council to investigate the outbreak. As of 13.30 on 15 October 2012, there are 12 confirmed cases and 57 probable cases.The management of Flicks have voluntarily closed the premises and are cooperating with the investigation.

E. coli O157

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast.Health Protection staff from the PHA are currently working with Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council to investigate the outbreak. At this stage, ten confirmed or suspected cases have been identified.The management of Flicks have voluntarily closed the premises and are cooperating with the investigation.

Speech, language and communication therapy action plan

Make handwashing part of your daily routine to avoid winter bugs, says PHA

As the winter months are approaching the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Global Handwashing Day on October 15 to remind people of the need to maintain good hand hygiene. This will help to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading winter viruses such as influenza and norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug. The PHA is urging everyone to make a habit of regularly washing their hands with soap and warm water. Older people and those with underlying health conditions need to be particularly aware of ways to reduce their risk of picking up infections.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 40 (1 - 7 October 2012)

Positive Blood Cultures: Laboratory Reports, NI

Escherichia coli (E.coli) Bacteraemia Surveillance

Subscribe to