Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 associated with consumption of watercress, United Kingdom, August to September 2013

Euro Surveill. 2013 Oct 31;18(44):20624. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2013.18.44.20624.

Abstract

An increase in the number of cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 PT 2 stx2 infection was reported in the United Kingdom on 9 September 2013. Of the 19 cases, 13 were interviewed, of which 10 reported consuming watercress purchased from one retailer. The retailer recalled pre-packed bagged salads containing watercress on 12 September. The descriptive epidemiology was supported by a case–case study performed after control measures were implemented.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Escherichia coli Infections / diagnosis
  • Escherichia coli Infections / epidemiology*
  • Escherichia coli O157 / isolation & purification*
  • Female
  • Food Handling
  • Food Microbiology
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Foodborne Diseases / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Population Surveillance
  • Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli / isolation & purification*
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology
  • Vegetables / microbiology*