England experienced a sharp 26 per cent rise in potentially deadly E. coli gut infections during 2024, with health authorities confirming 2,544 cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC).

The surge included a significant outbreak linked to contaminated salad leaves that affected 293 people across the UK, with 196 cases in England alone.

This particular outbreak led to 126 hospitalisations, while 11 patients developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a severe kidney complication. Two people died as a result of the contamination.

The concerning figures, released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), highlight a jump from 2,018 cases recorded in 2023.

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The confirmed cases comprised 564 instances of STEC serotype O157, the variant traditionally associated with the most severe outcomes, alongside 1,980 cases of non-O157 strains.

These non-O157 variants, previously thought to be less harmful, are now recognised as causing serious complications and are responsible for most STEC-related fatalities.

Seven deaths were recorded throughout 2024, with two attributed to O157 strains and five to non-O157 variants.

STEC infections typically manifest as gastroenteritis, producing symptoms that include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and dehydration. The most severe cases can progress to HUS, a potentially fatal condition affecting kidney function.

Contamination often occurs when food comes into contact with animal faeces during agricultural processes or when crops are irrigated with polluted water.

Children aged one to four represented the most affected demographic, with 84 cases of STEC O157 and 273 cases of non-O157 strains recorded.

The UKHSA attributes this vulnerability to weaker immune systems, inadequate hygiene habits, and increased contact with farm animals, particularly at petting facilities.

Dr Gauri Godbole, a food poisoning specialist at UKHSA, warned: "Rarely, STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and the elderly."

She advised: "Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to hydrate yourself."

Travel-associated infections jumped by 60.5 per cent, rising from 114 cases in 2023 to 183 in 2024, though the precise reasons remain uncertain.

The Food Standards Agency has launched a fresh food safety initiative in response to the rising infection rates.

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Natasha Smith, the FSA's Director of Food Policy, stated: "Public safety is our highest priority. The FSA works closely with UKHSA and other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data."

She emphasised: "We're also working with local authorities and industry to support businesses meet their legal responsibility to make sure food is safe.

"Consumers can further protect themselves by checking Food Hygiene Ratings on our website before eating out."

The agency recommends following the "4Cs" principle: maintaining refrigeration below 5°C, thorough cleaning of surfaces and utensils, proper cooking temperatures and times, and preventing cross-contamination between raw and prepared foods.