Scientists have detailed the process of linking a major E. coli outbreak in the United Kingdom to lettuce.

In May 2024, public health agencies and laboratories identified an increase in stool specimens submissions and patients testing positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified serotype O145:H28 stx2a/eae as the causative agent. It was a re-emergence of an STEC cluster investigated in 2023, where no source could be confirmed, said the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

By early July 2024, 288 cases had been linked to the cluster. Most were adults and females, 129 people were hospitalized with 39 percent attending emergency care. England had more than 180 cases, while about 60 people were sick in Scotland, 30 in Wales, and a few in Northern Ireland.

According to a study published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection, symptom onset dates of primary cases ranged from April 29 to June 17. They had a median age of 29 and ranged from 1 to 89 years old. There were nine cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and two deaths.

Since 2020, STEC O145:H28 has been in the top five most common E. coli serotypes reported in England and Scotland.

The link to lettuce
Descriptive epidemiology and analytical studies ide...