Three cases of E. coli O157 have been confirmed in an outbreak at a children's nursery on Anglesey.

Tri Ceffyl Bach Nursery in Amlwch was closed as a precaution last Thursday.

Dr Chris Whiteside, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales, said: "Given the nature of this infection it is not unusual for more cases to be identified amongst children attending the nursery. This is why the nursery was closed and the children and staff were asked to be tested.”

Health bosses last night urged the public to remain vigilant as the number of E.coli cases linked to the Adonis Kebab House on City Road in Cardiff rose to a possible nine, with three needing hospital treatment.

Since the E.coli O157 outbreak emerged on Friday, the number of confirmed cases has risen from five to seven – with another two under investigation – but could rise further, warned Dr Gwen Lowe, consultant in communicable disease control at Public Health Wales (PHW).

Maybe health inspectors and food service operators should be vigilant before people start barfing.
 

Sharon Mills, whose young son Mason Jones died in an E. coli O157 outbreak six years ago, has welcomed a new law that aims to force takeaways and restaurants to disclose hygiene records.

The Welsh Government will put forward legislation making it compulsory for all food businesses to put scores on their doors.

Currently it is up to the individual business whether to display their hygiene ratings – introduced last October – which range from five (excellent) to zero (in urgent need of improvement).

Mills told Media Wales,

“Consumers deserve to have this at-a-glance information because it can be hard work trying to find it. It will raise public confidence – it’s important people are able to make a choice about where the best and safest place to eat is.

A Welsh Government spokesman said,

“Wales will be the first country in the UK to introduce a mandatory food hygiene rating scheme.”

A surge in the popularity of lambing events, after the success of television shows such as BBC’s Lambing Live (right) and Countryfile, has prompted health types in Wales to urge parents and farmers to take extra precautions at petting farms and live lambing events to avoid a potential outbreak of disease.

Wales Online reports that at the events, run on farms across Wales, children can witness lambs being born and even help with “pulling” them during the birthing process.

Infectious diseases such as E .coli O157, cryptosporidiosis, Q fever, listeriosis and toxoplasmosis can be passed from sheep, cows, goats and other livestock to humans through contact with infected feces and other body fluids and tissues.

Infections can also be passed from animal bedding and fencing, causing painful gastroenteritis and, in extreme cases, kidney failure, lung and heart disease, and even death.

Because of this, parents are being urged to keep a close eye on children if they visit farms over the Easter break and to make sure they wash their hands with soap and warm water immediately after touching farm animals.

Dr Robert Smith, clinical scientist for Public Health Wales said,

“Animal petting and lambing events are be- coming increasingly popular and they are a great way to see more of the countryside and experience working life on a farm.

“However, we are encouraging everyone to follow good hygiene advice to limit the transmission and spread of infectious diseases.

“Although the number of people seriously affected by contact with farm animals is low, it is important that everyone, especially parents of younger children and pregnant women, is aware of the potential risks.

“Pregnant women or those with an underlying health condition are also advised not to help lamb or milk ewes.”

A table of petting zoo-related outbreaks is available at:
http://bites.ksu.edu/petting-zoos-outbreaks