What are the symptoms of E.coli? (Credits: Getty Images)
More than 100 people have been sent to hospital after a single outbreak of E.coli, leaving many concerned they may be the next one to catch the disease.
At least 113 people have contracted the disease, with the UK Health Security Agency saying they are most likely linked to a nationally distributed food item
All the cases recorded in the outbreak involve Shiga toxin-producing E.coli O145 (Stec), with 81 cases in England, 18 in Wales, 13 in Scotland and one person in Northern Ireland who believes they acquired Stec in England.
Eating contaminated food, coming into contact with infected humans and animals and swimming in ponds and stream with the strain can all lead to infection.
The most severe cases can even lead to kidney failure.
So what are the symptoms you need to look out for?
What are the symptoms of e.coli?
Those who contracted the infection suffer from severe and bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and a fever.
Patients are expected to recover in a couple of days, but they may need to be prescribed antibiotics.
Rarer symptoms include sudden bruising, pale skin, red urine, and weeing less frequently.
More than 100 people have been infected with E.coli (Picture: Getty Images)
Either of these indicate hospital treatment in needed.
Symptoms begin to develop between 24 to 72 hours after catching the infection.
Trish Mannes, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: ‘Symptoms of infections with STEC include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.
‘If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends.’
How can I prevent catching it?
Those who have been infected are advised to stay away from public places for two days to prevent the spread of infection.
Washing your hands and disinfecting surfaces will also help limit your risk of infection.
Jim McMenamin, Head of Health Protection (infection Services), Public Health Scotland, said: ‘To help stop infections like E. coli from spreading, we advise regular hand washing using soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food.
‘People should also use disinfectants to clean surfaces that may be contaminated. Anyone experiencing severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever should call their GP or 111 to seek advice.
‘Anyone with diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid attending places such as schools, workplaces or social gatherings until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased.’
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