Scotland E. coli outbreak linked to burgers sold at SSE Hydro

Several health agencies in Scotland to include the Public Health Protection Unit of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), Health Protection Scotland, the Food Standards Agency and Glasgow City Council Environmental Health are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157, according to a media release Friday.

SSE Hydro
Image/Video Screen Shot

The outbreak has affected seven people to date.

Based on information from the initial investigations, there is a link to the SSE Hydro, Glasgow. There is an association with the consumption of burgers at the Hydro but other foods items are also being considered.

Glasgow City Council environmental health are working closely with the vendors to ensure all appropriate food hygiene standards are being met.

The NHSGGC advises  anyone has attended the Hydro between Friday, January 17th and Saturday, January 25th and has experienced, or is continuing to experience, symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), nausea and fever they should contact a GP or NHS out of hours service.

The seven cases are currently recovering at home.

Dr Gillian Penrice, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, NHSGGC said, “Investigations are underway to identify if there is any common source. While there is no conclusive evidence our initial investigations have indicated that there may be a link to the consumption of burgers at the SSE Hydro and Glasgow City Council Environmental Health Officers are working closely with the vendors to ensure all appropriate food hygiene standards are being met.

“I would ask anyone who has attended the Hydro recently and who has experienced or is continuing to experience symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea (often bloody), nausea and fever to contact their GP.”

A next update will be issued on Monday, February 3rd.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

The symptoms of  E. coli O157:H7 infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/less than 38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5–7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.

Around 5–10% of those who are diagnosed with STEC infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

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