Hunt for mystery 'nationally distributed food item' that has triggered E.coli in over 100 people across the UK - as experts warn anyone with diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps should stay away from school or work Officials have not yet traced the source of the outbreak of STEC in the UK *** Have YOU been affected by the mystery E.coli outbreak? Email Emily.
Stearn@mailonline.co.uk *** By Chris Pollard Published: 08:25 BST, 7 June 2024 | Updated: 09:03 BST, 7 June 2024 e-mail 1 View comments Officials are hunting for a mystery food item that triggered an outbreak of E.
coli that struck down 113 people and left at least 37 in hospital — with fears the bug could spread further during barbecue season. Experts say the rare Shiga toxigenic (STEC) variant of the diarrhoea-causing illness is 'particularly nasty' and issued a warning to handle and cook food properly. The source has not yet been discovered but there are fears that the looming barbecue season, when many may under-cook items, may fuel an even bigger outbreak.
It is not believed to be linked to the outbreak of E.coli at the end of last year that was linked to cheese sold under the Mrs Kirkham's brand. Professor of food safety Nicola Holden said people should maintain good kitchen hygiene — and be particularly careful when breaking out the barbecue during the warm weather.
Officials have not yet traced the source of the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), a rare strain of the diarrhoea-causing bug. But t.