E.coli infection rises three times national average

HALTON experienced a 9% rise in E. coli infections in 2016-17 – three times the national average.

Although high, the increase was not the most severe in Cheshire and Merseyside, with Wirral (48.6%), Warrington (26%), Liverpool (15.3%) and South Cheshire (12.5%) NHS areas all experiencing sharper jumps.

Across England, the number of E. coli infections increased by 3% on average.

Morecambe Bay in Lancashire had the country’s biggest increase, as the number of cases more than doubled from 142 in 201516 to 274 in 2016-2017.

According to Government advice, escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria can be found in human and animal intestines and there are many different types – some that harmless but others that diseases.

E. coli is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.

It can cause infections in the urinary tract, intestines and blood stream.

Nick Phin, Public Health England’s National Infection Service deputy director, said: “Urinary tract infections cause about 50% of all cases of E. Coli bacte- raemia, with about threequarters of the cases occurring in the community.

“Use of some medical devices like urinary catheters and patient factors such as a weakened immune system will increase the risk of patients developing an E. Coli bacteraemia.

“The majority of cases are in older people.

“Measures that can be taken to reduce this infection include keeping people well hydrated, good personal hygiene, good care of urinary catheters and regularly reviewing their use.

“Most importantly, urinary tract infections should be treated appropriately when they first appear using the right antibiotic and using them where an infection is causing the symptoms.”

Mr Phin added: “We actively monitor the trends in E. coli infections through our dedicated surveillance team.

“We are working with the Department Of Health and NHS England to maintain a relentless focus on reducing infections in our hospitals.

“We will continue to feedback data to support colleagues to implement improvements.”