Runners in Tough Mudder race hit by E coli outbreak
Fears more could fall ill
COMPETITORS who took part in a gruelling Tough Mudder event have been struck down with potentially deadly E.coli, health chiefs warned yesterday.
Officials said several people had been diagnosed with the sickness and diarrhoea bug after entering the obstacle race last month – and more could fall ill, say experts.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway urged any of the 11,500 runners who tackled the 12-mile course in the grounds of Drumlanrig Castle near Thornhill and who believes they have been infected to seek urgent medical help.
Officials confirmed ‘a small number’ of cases had been reported after the race on June 17 and 18.
Vomiting and diarrhoea usually occur within 14 days of infection but bacteriology expert Professor Hugh Pennington said runners should still be aware because, in rare cases, potentially deadly kidney, brain and heart complications can occur up to a month after patients are exposed to the bug.
He added: ‘The organisers of this event should have taken steps to make sure animals were removed from the field where the Tough Mudder was held well in advance.
‘E.coli can survive in cowpats and puddles for up to a month and is especially prevalent after heavy rain has churned up the soil. It’s a very serious illness and people have been known to die from E.coli in extreme cases.
‘I would advise anyone over the age of 70 who took part or anyone with underlying conditions to be wary of symptoms as complications in the heart, brain and kidneys can occur weeks after any initial vomiting illness.’
E.coli is a type of natural bacterium that lives in the intestines of cattle and sheep, often being left in their faeces. But although the bug is harmless to livestock, it can cause severe sickness – including diarrhoea, blood in faeces, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever – in human beings and prove deadly to children and pensioners.
Tough Mudder events see competitors tackle a course of up to 12 miles long, crawling through mud, sliding through tunnels and leaping into icy water.
A simultaneous Mini Mudder was held at the event for children aged as young as seven but it is not known if any of the contestants were affected.
A NHS Dumfries and Galloway spokesman said: ‘We can confirm that we are aware of a small number of cases of E.coli O157 across Scotland that appear to be associated with participation in the Tough Mudder event held at Drumlanrig Castle.
‘Any activity undertaken on agricultural land inevitably involves a small risk of gastrointestinal infection. We would advise anyone who attended the event, and has the symptoms listed, to seek medical advice.’
A spokesman for Tough Mudder said: ‘The safety of participants, spectators, volunteers and staff is our number one priority.
‘Tough Mudder is aware of the situation in Scotland and is working closely with local authorities.
‘We emailed all event attendees to make sure they are also aware of the situation.’
He added: ‘We are sorry to hear that Tough Mudder participants are unwell and wish them a full and speedy recovery.’
In 1996 an E.coli outbreak as a result of contaminated food in a butcher’s shop killed 21 in Wishaw, Lanarkshire.
In July last year 11 people were admitted to hospital and a three-year-old girl from Bearsden, Dunbartonshire, died after contracting E.coli from contaminated Dunsyre Blue cheese.
‘It’s a very serious illness’