E. Coli

Most strains of E.coli are relatively harmless but others can cause serve illness. The most common type in the UK is E.coil 0157 which is transmitted through undercooked minced beef and unpasteurised milk, inadequately pasteurised or contaminated after pasteurised.

It is also spread by direct contact with infected animals or humans and contact with contaminated land or animal faeces.

Illness has very serious implications including kidney failure, severe anaemia and neurological problems and sometimes death.

Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. May lead to secondary infection and kidney failure.

Develops within ten to seventy two hours but more commonly twelve to twenty four hours and lasts for as long as five days.

For more information, please visit the Health Protection Agency.