§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many cases of E.coli infection have been reported in east Lancashire since 1 December;[9223]
(2) what assessment he has made of the source of the E.coli infection in east Lancashire. [9222]
§ Mr. HoramE.coli infection has been isolated in clinical samples from 12 individuals, including one outside the area who has been linked to this outbreak. Of these, nine have been or are ill, but all are recovering. The outbreak is being investigated locally by a control team, which comprises medical, scientific and environmental health experts. Officials in the Department of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are closely monitoring the progress of the local team and the action taken. Detailed epidemiological and microbiological investigations are continuing and precautionary measures have been taken to ensure that public health in the locality is not jeopardised.