Fair attendees urged to be mindful of E. coli infection risks

With the Fair underway, everyone attending needs to be aware of the risks of E.coli infection.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) are common bacteria which live in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. E.coli doesn’t always cause problems, but some strains can make people ill and even kill.

A person can become infected from contact with animals carrying the bacteria or by eating/drinking anything contaminated by faeces from infected animals. This can often happen on farms and places with animals which are open to the public.

To avoid infection:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the toilet, and before and after handling food.
• Hand washing in young children should be supervised, especially after handling animals or their surroundings.
• Anyone with diarrhoea and vomiting should stay away from others wherever possible until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

If you or your child become ill with symptoms, call NHS 111.

It usually takes between 2 and 4 days from being infected with E.coli to develop symptoms, which can include, mild diarrhoea, stomach pain, vomiting, fever, severe diarrhoea with blood, passing less urine than normal.