Bakery is at centre of E.coli outbreak; Shop closes voluntarily in investigation.

Byline: Sam Wood 

ABAKERY in Gateshead is at the centre of a food scare after being linked to an outbreak of poisoning.

Myers bakery in Felling has been closed voluntarily by its owner, while investigations into a number of cases of E.coli are carried out by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Anyone who has any food from the shop at home has been advised to throw it out.

Experts from the HPA, Gateshead Primary Care Trust and Gateshead Council environmental health team are investigating seven confirmed and four further possible cases of E.coli O157 infection in adults from the Gateshead area. One of the cases was admitted to hospital but has since been discharged. The other cases are recovering at home.

Investigations are continuing into the source of the infection but a possible link has been identified to Myers Bakery on Felling High Street, from where six of the confirmed cases have purchased cooked meats or sandwiches.

Dr Kirsty Foster of the Health Protection Agency said: "In light of our investigations so far, and as a precautionary measure, we are advising the public not to eat any products they may have bought from Myers Bakery and to throw out any products, including stuffing, from the shop which they may still have in their fridges, freezers and cupboards.

"The proprietor of Myers Bakery is co-operating fully with the investigation and has already closed the shop voluntarily while investigations continue. "No other outlets have as yet been identified but investigations are at an early stage. Further information is awaited from local laboratories, which will allow us to more accurately determine the source of the infection and whether the cases are truly linked."

Yesterday shoppers in Felling High Street said they had no not known why the bakery was closed.

Patricia Porter said: "It has been shut since the start of the week. There is no note on the door or anything to explain why it has been closed. I go in there to buy food quite a bit but I've never had any problems. I hope they sort it out soon and get the shop back open."

E. coli O157 bacteria can cause a range of symptoms, from mild diarrhoea to severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. In a small proportion of patients it can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which is a serious condition resulting in kidney failure.

E.coli O157 bacteria are commonly found in the gut of many animals, mainly cattle, but also in the faeces of other animals. People can catch it by eating contaminated food such as undercooked meat, contact with infected animals or with other people who have the infection.

Dr Foster added: "As always, if members of the public currently have or develop severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea with blood they should ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, their usual GP or out of hours service."

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR PEOPLE infected with E. coli O157 can have one, some, or all of the following symptoms: diarrhoea - about 50% of people also have blood in their stools; stomach cramps; fever.

Some infected people may have mild diarrhoea or no symptoms at all. A very small number of patients may develop 'haemolytic uraemic syndrome' (HUS) which is associated with kidney failure, anaemia, and bleeding. Complications are more common in children under five years of age and the elderly.

On average, it takes three to four days for symptoms to develop after swallowing an infectious dose of E.coli O157.

Symptoms can last up to two weeks, except in cases with complica tions. Most people get rid of the bacteria after about one week although children may continue to carry it for longer periods.

If someone has E.coli infection, wash all dirty clothes, bedding and towels in the washing machine on the hottest cycle possible.

Clean toilet seats, toilet bowls, flush handles, taps and wash hand basins after use with detergent and hot water, followed by a household disinfecta nt.

CAPTION(S):

SHUTTERS DOWN Myers Baker in Felling High Street has closed its doors voluntarily while an investigation continues into an E.coli outbreak.