Children aged 1 to 4 years were most affected, as UKHSA reminds the public of simple steps to reduce infection.<\/p>\n
The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) annual data<\/a>\u00a0shows a 26% rise in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections in England in 2024 when compared to 2023. Overall, 2,544 culture-confirmed cases of\u00a0STEC\u00a0were reported in England during 2024 \u2013 an increase of 26.1% compared to 2023 (2018 cases). These included 564 cases of\u00a0STEC\u00a0serotype O157 and 1,980 cases of other\u00a0STEC\u00a0serotypes (non-O157).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n STEC\u00a0are bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis, with symptoms ranging from mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration. In severe cases, they can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) \u2013 a serious, life-threatening condition that predominantly affects the kidneys.\u00a0STEC\u00a0bacteria are spread through contact with animals or their faeces, consuming contaminated food or water, and from person to person.\u00a0<\/p>\n The highest incidence of\u00a0STEC\u00a0cases in 2024 was in children aged 1 to 4 years (84 cases of\u00a0STEC\u00a0O157 and 273 cases of\u00a0STEC\u00a0non-O157). The higher incidence of confirmed\u00a0STEC\u00a0cases in children aged 1 to 4 years may be explained by a combination of factors such as less time to build immunity to infection, less developed hygiene practices, a greater likelihood of parents seeking healthcare when young children are symptomatic, and potential exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms.\u00a0<\/p>\n Travel related cases increased by 60.5% from 114 in 2023 to 183 in 2024. This increase in travel-related\u00a0STEC\u00a0cases may reflect changes in international travel patterns or improved ascertainment of travel history during investigations, although the underlying reasons remain uncertain.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2024, 2.1% of\u00a0STEC\u00a0O157 cases and 1.7% of\u00a0STEC\u00a0non-O157 cases developed\u00a0HUS. There were 7 deaths among\u00a0STEC\u00a0cases \u2013 2 from\u00a0STEC\u00a0O157 and 5 from non-O157.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal infections, Food Safety and One Health at\u00a0UKHSA, said:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n STEC\u00a0cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing\u00a0STEC\u00a0cases gradually increase since 2022 and therefore it\u2019s important for people to take steps to prevent infection.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you have any\u00a0STEC\u00a0symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. Don\u2019t prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms. If you are travelling abroad, it\u2019s important to remember routine hygiene practices to reduce your chances of becoming unwell.\u00a0<\/p>\n Rarely\u00a0STEC\u00a0can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly. Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to hydrate yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n Natasha Smith, Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), said:<\/p>\n Public safety is our highest priority. The\u00a0FSA\u00a0works closely with\u00a0UKHSAand other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data.\u00a0 We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in\u00a0STEC\u00a0cases, as well as trends in other pathogens, to help us take the necessary action to protect public health.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n We\u2019ve launched a new food safety campaign to help people stay safe – find out more on\u00a0food.gov.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n