Two kids from the same family die after catching food poisoning bug E.coli
Two children from the same family have died after contracting the deadly food poisoning bug E.coli, health bosses have confirmed.
The children, whose ages have not yet been released, were from the Charnwood area of Leicestershire and had been treated for the bug in the last two weeks.
Public Health England confirmed the deaths today and revealed it's working with environmental health officers after two cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome were confirmed in the siblings.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a serious complication of E.coli which affects the kidneys, eventually causing them to shut down.
Dr Lauren Ahyow, consultant in communicable disease control at PHE East Midlands, said: "E. coli is an infection that causes a spectrum of illness ranging from mild through to severe bloody diarrhoea, mostly without fever.
"Sometimes the infection can cause a condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome which affects the kidneys and can be very serious.
"E.coli can be acquired through a number of routes including contaminated food, contact with farm animals and infected water.
"PHE are working with partners to investigate further to try and determine a source of infection."
Young people and the elderly are more likely to suffer complications from the common food poisoning bug, as their immune systems are weaker.
It is not yet known how the children contracted E.coli.
E.coli is a common food poisoning bug, often caught from contaminated water or food.
Most strains are harmless and cause unpleasant symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea and tummy pain, that only lasts a few days.
But in people with weaker immune systems, like the young, elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, the bug is potentially fatal.
The best way you can protect yourself is to avoid any food poisoning risks.
Always make sure you wash your hands after preparing raw meat, always prepare raw meat on its own chopping board, store food in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer, wipe down surfaces with an antibacterial spray after use, regularly replace wash clothes in the kitchen and always make sure food is cooked properly before eating it.
Following these simple steps can help protect you and your family from food poisoning.
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