Six in hospital over E.coli outbreak possibly linked with Co Durham and North Tees butcher

Three more reports of E.coli O157 infection possibly linked to this outbreak have been received by health officials, one of whom is in hospital.

The latest cases are known to have eaten products bought or supplied by Robinson’s butchers before control measures were introduced at the premises on 15 July.

This brings the total number of people affected to 15, of which six are in hospital.

Four of the people in hospital are children aged between 8 – 14 years. The other two people in hospital are adults.

Although a definite source has not yet been identified, many of the affected people are known to have eaten pre-cooked meats or savoury products bought or supplied by Robinson’s butcher and caterer who has shops in Wingate and Billingham.

All 15 cases were acquired before control measures were introduced at Robinson’s butcher shops on 15 July.

Health protection experts from Public Health England and environmental health teams from both County Durham and Stockton councils are continuing to investigate all possible sources of the outbreak.

Consultant in health protection and chair of the outbreak control team Dr Deb Wilson said:

E.coli O157 infection can cause severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea and more rarely kidney failure in children.

Anyone who has eaten cooked meats bought between 25 June and 15 July from Robinson’s butchers and feels unwell should contact their GP.