Key E.coli symptoms to watch out for as UKHSA issues major warning

Four symptoms have been flagged by health chiefs linked to a spike in a dangerous form of E.coli.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an alert showing a 26% rise last year in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). This group of bacteria can also be spread via contaminated food and can cause life-threatening kidney problems. STEC bacteria causes gastroenteritis which comes with extremely unpleasant symptoms. They are usually spread through contact with animals or their faeces, consuming contaminated food or water, and from person to person. This comes following a warning to parents over petting zoos.

Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director at the UKHSA, said: “Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly."

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The UK Health Security Agency has outlined the four key symptoms for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC).

The first is diarrhoea which contains blood. STEC are a group of bacteria that produce Shiga toxins which damage the lining of the intestines and can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The second symptom linked to this identified by the UKHSA is stomach cramps. The third symptom is vomiting which, if persistent, can lead to the third red flag which is dehydration.

Dehydration occurs because sufferers simply cannot keep down liquid without bringing it back up.

Dr Godbole added: “Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to hydrate yourself.”

Symptoms can also incllude fever and lack of energy. Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks with supportive care, such as staying hydrated and resting.

In severe cases STEC can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) – a serious, life-threatening condition that predominantly affects the kidneys.

Annual UKHSA data suggests a 26% rise in STEC infections in England in 2024 when compared to 2023. Also known as verocytoxin producing E. coli (VTEC), there were 2,544 laboratory-confirmed cases in 2024, up from 2,018 the previous year. These figures are likely the tip of the iceberg as most infections are never culture-confirmed.

Dr Godbole added: “STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022 and therefore it's important for people to take steps to prevent infection.

"If you have any STEC symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.”

Earlier this year a popular cheese was recalled amid fears it was contaminated with STEC. Food Standards Scotland placed an advisory on Isle of Mull Cheese's Hebridean Blue Cheese. Other outbreaks have been linked to contaminated beef, fresh fruit and packs of salad leaves.