Announcement

**Shiloh** · October 16, 2012, 07:01 AM

Re: UK: 20 confirmed; 118 suspected E.coli caese in Belfast

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/20...crisis-warning

E coli outbreak is major crisis, says Northern Ireland health authority

Warning follows 20 confirmed cases of E coli and 118 more of suspected food poisoning linked to Belfast restaurant

Henry McDonald, Ireland correspondent
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 16 October 2012 12.19 BST

An E coli outbreak linked to a Belfast restaurant has been classified as a major public health crisis, a health authority said.

There have been 20 confirmed cases and a further 118 cases of suspected food poisoning, and the Public Health Agency said there could be a rise in the numbers of those infected within days.

Among those suffering symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pains were eight children under the age of 14, the agency said...

**Shiloh** · October 18, 2012, 08:19 PM

Re: UK: 29 confirmed; 202 probable E.coli caese in Belfast

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19996722

8 October 2012 Last updated at 11:40 ET
Belfast E. coli outbreak strains different

The type of E. coli linked to a restaurant in north Belfast this month is a different strain than four cases reported there in August.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) said there are now 29 confirmed cases and 202 probable cases.

Fifteen people have been hospitalised since the start of this month's food poisoning outbreak at Flicks restaurant in the Cityside complex.

It is understood most of them have gone home...

**Shiloh** · October 19, 2012, 06:20 PM

Re: UK: 44 confirmed; 144 probable E.coli caese in Belfast

Source: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...reaking51.html

irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Friday, October 19, 2012, 20:30
Belfast E.coli outbreak affects 44

More than 40 people have been confirmed as contracting a potentially lethal strain of E.coli, Northern Ireland health authorities have said.

In its latest update on the food poisoning crisis the Public Health Agency (PHA) said there could be a further 144 cases linked to a north Belfast restaurant...

**Shiloh** · October 20, 2012, 04:34 PM

Re: UK: 49 confirmed; 181 probable E.coli caese in Belfast

Source: http://www.u.tv/News/Confirmed-E-col...4-5e15a79bef78

Confirmed E. coli cases rises to 49
Published Saturday, 20 October 2012

The number of confirmed E. coli cases linked to a north Belfast restaurant has risen to 49, with 181 probable cases being probed...

**Shiloh** · October 21, 2012, 06:13 PM

Re: UK: 90 confirmed; 170 probable E.coli caese in Belfast

Source: http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/1021/eco...9837,flash,247

E coli cases from Belfast restaurant doubles
Updated: 22:18, Sunday, 21 October 2012

The number of confirmed cases of E coli linked to a north Belfast restaurant has almost doubled in the past 24 hours.

Northern Ireland's Public Health Agency has said there were now 90 confirmed cases and 179 probable ones...

**Shiloh** · October 22, 2012, 06:05 AM

Re: UK: 90 confirmed; 170 probable E.coli caese in Belfast

Source: http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/ne...-21st-oct-2012

E. coli O157 ? Update 21st Oct 2012
Sunday, 21 October 2012 ? Health Protection

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast.

There are various types of E.coli O157 and the PHA has confirmed that the type of E. coli O157 in cases in October is different from the type found in August cases associated with the same restaurant. These results are from a first phase of typing tests which showed the cases in August to be Type 8. The confirmed cases in October are Type 54. It is too early to draw definitive conclusions at this stage.

The four cases of E. coli O157 in August which were linked to this restaurant were investigated thoroughly at the time. All tests on the restaurant were negative. In addition, further environmental health inspections were conducted, all of which were satisfactory, and enhanced surveillance to monitor for cases was also put in place. The current cases came to light through that enhanced monitoring.

Furthermore, there were no cases of E. coli associated with Flicks restaurant in the six week period between the end of August and 9 October.

When a possible case was notified on 9 October, PHA and Environmental Health Officers again responded immediately and took all necessary steps. This resulted in the voluntary closure of the restaurant; if the restaurant had not closed voluntarily, it would have been required to close.

As of 3pm on Sunday 21 October 2012, there were 90 confirmed cases and 179 probable cases. The increase in confirmed cases, which were recorded at 49 yesterday, is not unexpected and is as a result of probable cases becoming confirmed following testing. We would not expect to see a major decrease in the number of probable cases at this stage of the investigation as new cases are still coming forward.

Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health, PHA, said: ?The PHA has activated a full public health response to this outbreak and the situation is being managed and monitored very closely.

"It is vital that everyone follows some simple rules to prevent the spread of E. coli ? not just those with symptoms, but everyone should wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. Raw and cooked food should be kept completely separate, raw meat should be cooked through and vegetables and fruit should be washed thoroughly before eating."

Investigations are continuing and final conclusions will emerge when all cases have been identified and analysed to identify any common links.

The management of Flicks are cooperating with the investigation.

The PHA has advised that anyone who ate at Flicks restaurant since 24 September and has symptoms of diarrhoea (especially bloody diarrhoea) and/or abdominal pain should contact their GP urgently for medical advice.

Dr Harper explained: ?Escherichia coli bacteria are 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.

?Symptoms caused by E. coli O157 can include diarrhoea, which can range from mild to profuse watery or bloody diarrhoea, tummy cramps, nausea or vomiting...?

**Shiloh** · October 22, 2012, 12:40 PM

Re: UK: 98 confirmed; 175 probable E.coli caese in Belfast

Source: http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/ne...te-22-oct-2012

E. coli O157 ? Update 22 Oct 2012
Monday, 22 October 2012 - 4:26pm ? Health Protection

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast.

There are various types of E.coli O157 and the PHA has confirmed that the type of E. coli O157 in cases in October is different from the type found in August cases associated with the same restaurant. These results are from a first phase of typing tests which showed the cases in August to be Type 8. The confirmed cases in October are Type 54. It is too early to draw definitive conclusions at this stage.

The four cases of E. coli O157 in August which were linked to this restaurant were investigated thoroughly at the time. All tests on the restaurant were negative. In addition, further environmental health inspections were conducted, all of which were satisfactory, and enhanced surveillance to monitor for cases was also put in place. The current cases came to light through that enhanced monitoring.

Furthermore, there were no cases of E. coli associated with Flicks restaurant in the six week period between the end of August and 9 October.

When a possible case was notified on 9 October, PHA and Environmental Health Officers again responded immediately and took all necessary steps. This resulted in the voluntary closure of the restaurant; if the restaurant had not closed voluntarily, it would have been required to close.

As of 3pm on Monday 22 October 2012, there were 98 confirmed cases and 175 probable cases. The increase in confirmed cases over recent days is not unexpected and is as a result of probable cases becoming confirmed following testing. The number of probable cases appears to be levelling off as fewer new reports are coming forward.

Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health, PHA, said: ?The PHA has activated a full public health response to this outbreak and the situation is being managed and monitored very closely...

**Shiloh** · October 23, 2012, 03:56 PM

Re: UK: 119 confirmed; 163 probable E.coli cases in Belfast

Source: http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/ne...te-23-oct-2012

E. coli O157 ? Update 23 Oct 2012
Tuesday, 23 October 2012 ? Health Protection

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast.

Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health, PHA, said: ?The PHA has activated a full public health response to this outbreak and the situation is being managed and monitored very closely.

?We continue to meet daily with colleagues at Belfast City Council to share information and results and are working with the Council and Food Standards Agency to ensure this investigation progresses steadily. We are also liaising with the Health Protection Agency regarding typing and other specialist advice.

?This is a complex, evolving and detailed investigation and all aspects of the outbreak are being examined thoroughly. As such, it would not be appropriate to comment at this stage on any potential cause of the outbreak, but as with all outbreaks, a full report will be made publicly available when the investigation and analysis is complete.

?It is not always possible to identify a specific source in outbreaks as the mechanism of contamination of food may have been short term and corrected in subsequent cleaning, food hygiene practice, or normal disposal of food.

?What we can say at this stage is that the information to date suggests no wider risk to the public from E coli 0157 as regards this outbreak, and the restaurant remains closed. However, it is important that everyone helps to prevent the spread of E. coli and washes their hands after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. People with vomiting or diarrhoea should remain at home and not prepare food ? this is good advice at all times, not just when there is an outbreak.?

There are various types of E.coli O157 and the PHA has confirmed that the type of E. coli O157 in cases in October is different from the type found in August cases associated with the same restaurant. These results are from a first phase of typing tests which showed the cases in August to be Type 8. The confirmed cases in October are Type 54.

The four cases of E. coli O157 in August which were linked to this restaurant were investigated thoroughly at the time. All tests on the restaurant were negative. In addition, further environmental health inspections were conducted, all of which were satisfactory, and enhanced surveillance to monitor for cases was also put in place. The current cases came to light through that enhanced monitoring.

Furthermore, there were no cases of E. coli associated with Flicks restaurant in the six week period between the end of August and 9 October.

When a possible case was notified on 9 October, PHA and Environmental Health Officers again responded immediately and took all necessary steps. This resulted in the voluntary closure of the restaurant; if the restaurant had not closed voluntarily, it would have been required to close.

As of 3pm on Tuesday 23 October 2012, there were 119 confirmed cases and 163 probable cases. The increase in confirmed cases over recent days is not unexpected and is as a result of probable cases becoming confirmed following testing. The number of probable cases is levelling off as fewer new reports are coming forward.

The management of Flicks are cooperating with the investigation.

The PHA has advised that anyone who ate at Flicks restaurant since 24 September and has symptoms of diarrhoea (especially bloody diarrhoea) and/or abdominal pain should contact their GP urgently for medical advice.

Dr Harper explained: ?Escherichia coli bacteria are 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.

?Symptoms caused by E. coli O157 can include diarrhoea, which can range from mild to profuse watery or bloody diarrhoea, tummy cramps, nausea or vomiting.?

**Shiloh** · October 24, 2012, 06:16 PM

Re: UK: 124 confirmed; 166 probable E.coli cases in Belfast

Source: http://news.uk.msn.com/health/ecoli-...city-contained

Updated: 24/10/2012 21:26 | By pa.press.net
E.coli outbreak in city contained

Northern Ireland's E.coli outbreak has been contained, the Stormont Health committee has been told.

Maria Jennings from the Food Standards Agency said the source of crisis has still not been established but health officials were following definite lines of inquiry.

"We are confident there are no implications for the wider food chain," Ms Jennings said...

Almost 300 people have been affected by the outbreak linked to Flicks restaurant. In its most recent update the Public Health Agency (PHA) said there were 124 confirmed cases and 166 probable cases of E.coli...

**Shiloh** · October 26, 2012, 11:13 AM

Re: UK: 130 confirmed; 163 probable E.coli cases in Belfast

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20097943

26 October 2012 Last updated at 11:43 ET
E. coli outbreak: number of confirmed cases reaches 130

There are now 130 confirmed cases of E. coli in Northern Ireland's worst ever outbreak, the Public Health Agency has confirmed.

There are a further 163 probable cases linked to Flicks restaurant in Belfast's Cityside shopping complex.

In a statement on Friday, the PHA said their information suggested that there was no wider risk to the public from this outbreak...

Announcement

UK: 130 confirmed; 163 probable E.coli cases in Belfast

UK: 130 confirmed; 163 probable E.coli cases in Belfast

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