Announcement

**Giuseppe** · September 14, 2009, 02:46 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update (Sept. 13, 2009, edited)

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

13 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency reports that the total number of cases of E Coli 0157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey tonight remains at 36.

Twelve children remain in hospital; three of whom are still seriously ill; six remain stable and three who were being looked after in specialist paediatric units in London have recovered sufficiently to be moved to hospitals nearer their homes.

The HPA is aware of reports in the media about timing of the events leading up to the closure of Godstone Farm in Surrey and set out the following timeline, for clarification:

August 27: Surrey-Sussex Health Protection Unit (HPU) receives first lab report of a case of E Coli 0157. Environmental Health officers investigate and learn that case has visited Godstone Farm.
August 28: Environmental Health officers contact the farm and advise on the need to reinforce messages about hand washing after petting animals and during visits to farms
September 1: HPU informed of three further cases - including the first case in the outbreak who had visited the farm on August 8. Environmental Health officers arrange a site visit to the farm, to be accompanied by a Health Protection team, for September 3.
September 3: Farm is inspected by Environmental Health officers with HPA team. Farm is advised that contact with high risk animals should stop. This action has been taken in previous incidents and is both a proportionate and effective response for the scale of incident at that stage.
September 3: HPU is informed about four further cases.
Sept 4-11: HPU hear about more cases but all had visited the farm before September 3rd when control measures were advised: assumption made that controls were effective
September 11, late afternoon: HPU hears about a case who had visited the farm on September 4, triggering advice to close: it is not clear how this case became infected but clear that action needed to protect the public from further exposure to infection.
September 12: Farm closed

HPA advice remains that anybody who visited the farm after August 8 or any member of their household, (even if they did not personally visit the farm), who becomes unwell with the following symptoms should seek medical advice or contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647:

diarrhoea (which can be bloodstained)
vomiting
fever
abdominal pain and cramps
feeling weak or lethargic
passing less urine than usual
pallor
fits

ENDS

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:

HPA SE Comms team 07789 295454

Notes to editors:

E coli 0157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in preventing person-to person spread and small children should be supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before eating.
Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
To avoid getting strains capable of causing intestinal disease people should avoid eating undercooked meat, in particular inadequately cooked minced beef and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk. Individuals working with uncooked meats or on farms should pay close attention to good hygiene practices, as should visitors to farms.
It is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings, for instance on a visit to a farm.

More information: www.hpa.org.uk/infections
Last reviewed: 13 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1252660020685?p=1231252394302">HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 15, 2009, 09:48 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update (Sept. 15, 2009, edited)

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

15 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E Coli 0157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey is 37.

Thirteen children are currently being treated in hospital.

Of these children four are seriously ill, six are in a stable condition and three are improving.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

E coli 0157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in preventing person-to person spread and small children should be supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before eating.
Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
To avoid getting strains capable of causing intestinal disease people should avoid eating undercooked meat, in particular inadequately cooked minced beef and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk. Individuals working with uncooked meats or on farms should pay close attention to good hygiene practices, as should visitors to farms.
It is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings, for instance on a visit to a farm.

More information: www.hpa.org.uk/infections
Last reviewed: 15 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1252660071015?p=1231252394302">HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 16, 2009, 10:48 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - Health Protection Agency commissions independent investigation into E. coli outbreak and apologises for delays (Sept. 16, 2009, edited)

Health Protection Agency commissions independent investigation into E. coli outbreak and apologises for delays

16 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency's Chief Executive Justin McCracken yesterday phoned parents of those children most seriously affected by the E. coli outbreak at Godstone Farm in Surrey to apologise for delays within HPA and to announce an independent investigation.

Initially the HPA said that the first case had come to light on 27 August, but following an immediate investigation into the incident instigated by the CEO, Mr McCracken received confirmation late on Monday that the Agency had received a report of two cases in the previous week.

Mr McCracken said: "If this information had been taken into account on 27 August, then the advice given and the steps taken on 3 September would have been introduced earlier and the farm might have been closed earlier.

"I wanted to speak personally to the parents of those children who are most seriously ill in hospital to explain what has happened and, however inadequate under the circumstances, to apologise. The position they find themselves in is unbearable and it is of course worse that what has happened might have been avoidable."

Mr McCracken continued: "I have decided to set up an externally led investigation into the outbreak, the factors which contributed to it and its handling. This will be led by George Griffin, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Medicine at St. George's, University of London and Chair of the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens.

"It is important that we have a full understanding of this outbreak because of the large number of people who appear to have been affected and the wide range of animals involved so that we can all learn the lessons from this serious outbreak.

"And I am determined that this organisation makes whatever changes are necessary in response to the findings of the investigation."

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
E.coli 0157 is a type of E. coli which can infect humans when they consume food or water that has become contaminated by faeces from infected animals.
All animals naturally carry a range of micro-organisms, some of which - like E. coli 0157 - can be passed on to humans and may cause ill health. As such organisms may be contracted on farms, good general cleanliness around farms, separating eating and contact areas, adequate handwashing facilities, information for staff and visitors and proper supervision of animal contact and handwashing are all essential.
Current veterinary and medical opinion is that it should be assumed all ruminant animals - cattle, sheep, goats and deer - carry E. coli 0157 and it is found in a range of other animals and birds including geese and seagulls.
It's especially important that farms do everything they can to control the risks to visitors because very low numbers of E. coli 0157 can cause infection. E. coli 0157 can also persist for long periods outside the animal - up to 150 days in soil and 90 days in cattle faeces. As a result, other animals on the farm, including pets, can easily acquire the bacterium
E. coli 0157 bacteria in humans usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. To prevent the spread of the bacteria, it is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC
For further information contact the HPA Press Office: 0207 759 2834 - 0207 759 2824 - 0207 759 2856
Last reviewed: 16 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1252660082045?p=1231252394302">HPA - Health Protection Agency commissions independent investigation into E. coli outbreak and apologises for delays</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 17, 2009, 01:54 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update (9/16/09, edited)

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

16 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E Coli 0157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey is 40.

Fourteen children are currently being treated in hospital.

Of these children four are seriously ill, seven are in a stable condition and three are improving.

ENDS
Last reviewed: 16 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1253114149273?p=1231252394302">HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 17, 2009, 10:18 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update (Sept. 17, 2009, edited)

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

16 September 2009

Temporary Closure of Horton Park Children's Farm

Horton Park Children's Farm, the sister farm of Godstone Farm, has been inspected by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council's Environmental Health Department at the Health Protection Agency's request.

The hygiene arrangements were found to be unsatisfactory and the HPA advised the local authority that the farm should be closed immediately while these defects were rectified.

We understand from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, which has statutory responsibility for regulating the farm, that the farm has agreed to close voluntarily.

At this point we are not aware of any cases of E Coli O157 associated with visits to this farm.

Last reviewed: 16 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1253114152484?p=1231252394302">HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 17, 2009, 10:18 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update (2) (Sept 17, 2009, edited)

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

17 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey is 45.

Twelve children are currently being treated in hospital.

Of these children four are seriously ill, six are in a stable condition and two are improving.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

E coli 0157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in preventing person-to person spread and small children should be supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before eating.
Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
To avoid getting strains capable of causing intestinal disease people should avoid eating undercooked meat, in particular inadequately cooked minced beef and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk. Individuals working with uncooked meats or on farms should pay close attention to good hygiene practices, as should visitors to farms.
It is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings, for instance on a visit to a farm.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC

Last reviewed: 17 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1253114164898?p=1231252394302">HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 18, 2009, 10:00 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - White Post Farm, Nottinghamshire closed as precautionary measure (Sept. 18, 2009, edited)

White Post Farm, Nottinghamshire closed as precautionary measure

18 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency this morning advised the closure of White Post Farm in Nottinghamshire, following confirmation yesterday that a second individual who visited this farm had the same strain of E. coli O157 as another visitor.

The farm has closed voluntarily and the HPA and its partners are conducting a full epidemiological investigation.

The Agency is also aware of two other cases potentially linked to the farm who have had different strains of E. coli O157.

There are many potential sources of E. coli and as yet there is no confirmation that the farm is the source of infection in these cases, all of whom are well. The majority of E. coli outbreaks are caused either by food contamination or person to person spread and only about 1 in 50 of all cases are associated with outbreaks linked to petting farms.

Where there are different strains of E. coli involved, as there are in this case, there is uncertainty about whether there is a shared source of infection. The HPA has advised closure of the farm on a precautionary basis to protect the public health while the investigation continues.

ENDS

For more information please contact Natalie Saville on 0115 960 1416 or 0115 9601413.

Notes to Editors

Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
E. coli O157 is a type of E. coli which can infect humans when they consume food or water that has become contaminated by faeces from infected animals.
All animals naturally carry a range of micro-organisms, some of which - like E. coli O157 - can be passed on to humans and may cause ill health. As such organisms may be contracted on farms, good general cleanliness around farms, separating eating and contact areas, adequate handwashing facilities, information for staff and visitors and proper supervision of animal contact and handwashing are all essential.
Current veterinary and medical opinion is that it should be assumed all ruminant animals - cattle, sheep, goats and deer - carry E. coli O157 and it is found in a range of other animals and birds including geese and seagulls.
It's especially important that farms do everything they can to control the risks to visitors because very low numbers of E. coli O157 can cause infection. E. coli O157 can also persist for long periods outside the animal - up to 150 days in soil and 90 days in cattle faeces. As a result, other animals on the farm, including pets, can easily acquire the bacterium
E. coli O157 bacteria in humans usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. To prevent the spread of the bacteria, it is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC
Last reviewed: 18 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1253114178960?p=1231252394302">HPA - White Post Farm, Nottinghamshire closed as precautionary measure</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 18, 2009, 10:01 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update (Sept. 18, 2009, edited)

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

18 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey is 49.

Nine children remain in hospital; one is due for discharge today.

Five children being treated in one of the London hospitals are described as being in a stable condition - as are all those being treated in other hospitals.

None are described today as seriously ill.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

E coli 0157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in preventing person-to person spread and small children should be supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before eating.
Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
To avoid getting strains capable of causing intestinal disease people should avoid eating undercooked meat, in particular inadequately cooked minced beef and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk. Individuals working with uncooked meats or on farms should pay close attention to good hygiene practices, as should visitors to farms.
It is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings, for instance on a visit to a farm.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC
Last reviewed: 18 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1253205280650?p=1231252394302">HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 19, 2009, 02:24 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - World of Country Life farm, Exmouth, closed as precautionary measure (9/18/09, edited)

World of Country Life farm, Exmouth, closed as precautionary measure

18 September 2009

East Devon District Council and the Health Protection Agency this afternoon advised the precautionary closure of the World of Country Life farm, Exmouth, acting on information that potentially linked the farm with three individuals with confirmed E. coli O157 infection.

The farm has closed voluntarily and the local authority, HPA and partners are conducting a full investigation.

There are many potential sources of E. coli and as yet there is no confirmation that the farm is the source of infection in these cases. The majority of E. coli outbreaks are caused either by food contamination or person to person spread and only about 1 in 50 of all cases are associated with outbreaks linked to petting farms.

Notes for Editors

Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
E. coli O157 is a type of E. coli which can infect humans when they consume food or water that has become contaminated by faeces from infected animals.
All animals naturally carry a range of micro-organisms, some of which - like E. coli O157 - can be passed on to humans and may cause ill health. As such organisms may be contracted on farms, good general cleanliness around farms, separating eating and contact areas, adequate handwashing facilities, information for staff and visitors and proper supervision of animal contact and handwashing are all essential.
Current veterinary and medical opinion is that it should be assumed all ruminant animals - cattle, sheep, goats and deer - carry E. coli O157 and it is found in a range of other animals and birds including geese and seagulls.
It is especially important that farms do everything they can to control the risks to visitors because very low numbers of E. coli O157 can cause infection. E. coli O157 can also persist for long periods outside the animal - up to 150 days in soil and 90 days in cattle faeces. As a result, other animals on the farm, including pets, can easily acquire the bacterium
E. coli O157 bacteria in humans usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. To prevent the spread of the bacteria, it is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC
Media enquires to: Laurence Knight, HPA South West, tel: 01453 829746.
Last reviewed: 18 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1253205293239?p=1231252394302">HPA - World of Country Life farm, Exmouth, closed as precautionary measure</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 19, 2009, 10:18 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update (9/19/09, edited)

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

19 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey is 57.

Ten children are in hospital; five children being treated in one of the London hospitals are described as being stable and improving - as are all those being treated in other hospitals.

None are described today as seriously ill.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

E coli 0157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in preventing person-to person spread and small children should be supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before eating.
Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
To avoid getting strains capable of causing intestinal disease people should avoid eating undercooked meat, in particular inadequately cooked minced beef and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk. Individuals working with uncooked meats or on farms should pay close attention to good hygiene practices, as should visitors to farms.
It is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings, for instance on a visit to a farm.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC
Last reviewed: 19 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1253205295166?p=1231252394302">HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 20, 2009, 10:04 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update (9/20/09, edited)

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

20 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey is 64.

Nine children remain in hospital all of whom are described today as stable and improving. None are seriously ill.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

E coli 0157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in preventing person-to person spread and small children should be supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before eating.
Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
To avoid getting strains capable of causing intestinal disease people should avoid eating undercooked meat, in particular inadequately cooked minced beef and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk. Individuals working with uncooked meats or on farms should pay close attention to good hygiene practices, as should visitors to farms.
It is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings, for instance on a visit to a farm.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC
Last reviewed: 20 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1253205295620?p=1231252394302">HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update</cite>

**Giuseppe** · September 21, 2009, 10:08 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update (9/21/09)

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

21 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey is 67.

Eight children remain in hospital all of whom are described today as stable or improving.

None are seriously ill.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

E coli 0157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in preventing person-to person spread and small children should be supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before eating.
Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
To avoid getting strains capable of causing intestinal disease people should avoid eating undercooked meat, in particular inadequately cooked minced beef and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk. Individuals working with uncooked meats or on farms should pay close attention to good hygiene practices, as should visitors to farms.
It is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings, for instance on a visit to a farm.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC
Last reviewed: 21 September 2009
-

<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1253205309417?p=1231252394302">HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update</cite>

**Treyfish** · September 21, 2009, 11:14 AM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

<TABLE class=storycontent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>More E.coli cases linked to farm

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=storybody><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=226 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Godstone Farm in Surrey has now been linked to 67 cases of E.coli

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Three more cases of E.coli have been linked to a children's petting farm in Surrey, taking the total number to 67. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) announced that extra cases were linked to Godstone Farm on Monday.
It said eight children remained in hospital, describing their condition as stable or improving.
The farm closed on 12 September and its sister farm, Horton Park Children's Farm in Epsom, was also shut because of "unsatisfactory" hygiene arrangements.
The outbreak at Godstone Farm near Redhill is believed to have started on 8 August.
'Largest UK outbreak'
No cases of E.coli O157 infection have been linked to the Epsom site.
Four farms across England have now closed or partially closed in the wake of the outbreak.
White Post Farm at Farnsfield, near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, was closed after two visitors were confirmed to be suffering from the same strain of E.coli.
The World of Country Life in Exmouth, Devon, closed its petting farm and deer ride on Friday on the advice of the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
Tests are expected to be carried out later to establish whether there is a link to a possible E.coli outbreak involving three children.
E.coli - which caused symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting - can be especially dangerous in young children because they cannot tolerate much fluid loss. It can lead to kidney failure.
The HPA has said the outbreak was "possibly the largest in the UK" to be transmitted by animals

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/8267530.stm
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

**Giuseppe** · September 22, 2009, 12:17 PM

Re: United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update (9/22/09, edited)

E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update

22 September 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey is 74.

Six children remain in hospital all of whom are described today as stable or improving.

None are seriously ill.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

E coli 0157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. Occasionally, serious kidney and blood complications can occur. Good hygiene is very important in preventing person-to person spread and small children should be supervised with hand washing after using the toilet and before eating.
Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.
To avoid getting strains capable of causing intestinal disease people should avoid eating undercooked meat, in particular inadequately cooked minced beef and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk. Individuals working with uncooked meats or on farms should pay close attention to good hygiene practices, as should visitors to farms.
It is important to always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings, for instance on a visit to a farm.

More information: http://www.hpa.org.uk/ecoliVTEC
Last reviewed: 22 September 2009
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<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1253205332373?p=1231252394302">HPA - E Coli 0157 in Surrey: Update</cite>

Announcement

United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

United Kingdom. HPA - Investigation of cases of E.Coli 0157 at Surrey Farm (9/12/09)

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