NEW data has revealed that e-coli cases rose by almost 79% in Wales in May 2024, compared to the month before. The most recent data from the Public Health Wales team showed a dramatic rise in cases of Escherichia coli, or e-coli, in May 2024. A spokesperson for Public Health Wales, said this of the figures collected in June 2024: "29 cases have now been identified in Wales, distributed across the country with no geographical clusters.
45 per cent of the cases have been hospitalised." The graph shows a rise in cases in May, with a fall in cases in June (though the month is not yet over). The Public Health Wales spokesperson added: "Public Health Wales is working with colleagues in the UK Health Security Agency, the Food Standards Agency, local authorities and other partners to investigate an increase in cases of Shiga toxin-producing E.
coli (STEC) across the UK, including in Wales, over the last five weeks." Escherichia coli O157, known as e-coli or STEC, is a bacterial infection which can cause severe bloody diarrhoea. It is often transmitted via consumption of contaminated food but can also be spread by close contact with an infected person, as well as direct contact with an infected animal or its environment.
Wendi Shepherd, consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, said: “STEC is a nasty infection and can make people seriously unwell – it can be particularly difficult for young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. “Public Healt.
