PRESS RELEASE FROM THOMPSONS SOLICITORS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
– leading lawyer urges the public to follow strong guidelines on frequent and thorough hand hygiene following two more cases of E. coli in Scotland.
Two people are being treated in an Orkney hospital with the potentially life-threatening E. coli bug, while three suspected cases on the island are currently being investigated.
The latest cases come mere days after 8 year-old Rachel Shaw from East Ayrshire died of “complications from E. coli 0157 infection” at Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow.
Partner at Thompsons Solicitors and expert in health and safety law, Patrick McGuire said:
“Although officials are at pains to stress that no link has yet been established between these cases, the authorities must act quickly to find the source of each case to prevent and contain any potential outbreak.
“E. coli infection is not just simple food poisoning as some people believe – it can have serious, lasting health consequences on sufferers, including brain and kidney damage.
“Moreover, the grave potential of E. coli to claim lives and devastate families was brought into sharp focus with the tragic death of young Rachel Shaw earlier this month.
“One of the main transmission routes for the infection that we’ve seen over the years is through poor hand hygiene. I would stress the importance of adhering to general hygiene when handling food items and after using the toilet.
“As the potentially deadly bug is particularly dangerous to the elderly and the young, small children should be supervised when washing their hands to make sure they’re not putting themselves at risk.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
• for further comments from Patrick McGuire, contact Tim Weir on 07974 262 997
