E.coli outbreak linked to Tough Mudder event

● Endurance event sparks infection fears among competitors

Participants in an endurance event at a Scottish castle have been warned to look out for symptoms of E.coli O157 after it was identified among those who took part.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway revealed four cases of the bacteria have been found in those involved in the Tough Mudder event at Drumlanrig Castle last month.

It has since advised anyone associated with the event who experiences symptoms to seek medical advice.

A spokesman for the health board said: “NHS Dumfries and Galloway 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 which was held at Drumlanrig Castle on June 17 and 18.

“Any activity undertaken on

0 A competitor takes part in the Tough Mudder event at Drumlanrig Castle last month agricultural land inevitably involves a small risk of gastrointestinal infection.”

Symptoms of the virus are said to include diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps or fever. The health board said people usually notice symptoms three to four days after they have been infected, but they can take anything up to 14 days to develop.

The endurance course is described by organisers as “probably the toughest event on the planet” and involves 20 obstacles over a ten to 12mile course.

About 11,500 people took part this year, while as many as two million competitors have taken part worldwide since the inaugural event in 2010.

Organisers claim as much as 500,000 gallons of “gradeA mud” is used on each course during each competition.

A spokesman for the event said: “The safety of Tough Mudder 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 are sorry to hear that Tough Mudder participants are unwell and wish them a full and speedy recovery.”