Two Scots nurseries have been closed as E. Coli outbreaks have left a number of children in hospital, which may leave some wondering about possible warning signs.
An outbreak took place in Church Road Pear Tree Nursery, with Meadowpark Pear Tree also closed on a precautionary basis as people connected with it reported symptoms. Both nurseries are in Haddington, East Lothian and so far cases have been confined to the nursery, households of the children and close contacts.
28 cases have been identified with most being mild, although some are in hospital in a stable condition. This may leave some Scots wondering about possible E. coli symptoms as well as what to do for those who think they may have the infection.
Here are key facts around the condition, as well as guidance for those who may be infected.
What is E. coli?
E. coli, or escherichia coli, is a bacterial infection that can cause severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea and kidney failure, according to Scotland's NHS Inform.
The condition is typically caught through foods contaminated by the bacterial infection such as raw leafy vegetables or undercooked meat, through touching infected animals or their faeces or through contact with people who have the illness. You can also get E. coli through both swimming in or drinking contaminated water.
There is no treatment for the condition, although you are advised to drink plenty of fluids. Some people become infected without developing symptoms, while others can experience symptoms for up to two weeks.
E. coli symptoms
While symptoms can differ from person to person, NHS Inform outlines the following as possible warning signs.
- diarrhoea - sometimes bloody
- stomach cramps
- fever
Symptoms tend to appear around three to four days after infection, but can appear between one and 14 days of infection.
What to do if you think you have E. coli
Often it is possible to recover at home as many get better without requiring treatment.
However, if you think you or your child has E. coli you should contact your GP or call NHS 111 right away. In rare cases E. coli can develop into haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HES), which could cause kidney failure and death. Children aged five and under are at the highest risk for HUS, says NHS Inform.
Antibiotics and anti-diarrhoea drugs such as loperamide are not advised as they can increase the risk of complications.
If you or someone else in your home is infected you should wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, especially if you are in direct contact with an infected person to reduce the risk of spread. You should also make sure to keep surfaces clean and use heavy-duty domestic rubber gloves and disposable cloths for cleaning.
You or your child should not return to work or school until you have been completely free of symptoms for 48 hours. There are further requirements for certain groups including health workers and those who handle food and children under five should also not swim in public places or return to nursery until your GP says it is safe to do so.
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