Via the Centre for Health Protection: CHP investigates case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection. Excerpt:
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 31) investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, and hence reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene against intestinal infections.
The case involves a 1-year-old girl, with good past health, who has developed diarrhoea since October 26 and was admitted to a private hospital for management on October 27. She was discharged on October 28 in stable condition.
Her stool specimen grew STEC upon laboratory testing.
Initial enquiries of the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Bali, Indonesia, from October 22 to 25 and consumed fresh orange juice. She did not consume unpasteurised milk or raw food, or have contact with animals or visit farms. Her home contacts had diarrhoea during the trip and all recovered after seeking medical advice locally. Investigations are ongoing.
"Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as STEC, can produce powerful toxins and cause severe food-borne disease. The most recognised serogroup of STEC is E. coli O157:H7," a spokesman for the CHP explained.
