OUTBREAK KILLED 21 IN ONE TOWN 26YRS AGO

E.COLI is a bacterial infection that can cause severe illness and, in the worst cases, death.

The most serious complications can lead to blood poisoning and kidney failure, although typical symptoms are severe fever, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhoea and vomiting.

There is no specific treatment for E.coli infection and most people who are infected get better.

The world’s worst outbreak claimed 21 lives and infected hundreds more in 1996.

Victims had eaten contaminated meat sold by John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire.

The NHS advises anyone with bloody diarrhoea to seek immediate emergency medical attention, particularly children and adults over 65.

Medics also urge careful hand-washing before eating or preparing food to minimise the risk of spreading the infection.

Anyone with E.coli is advised to stay away from work, school or nursery and only return after they have been symptomfree for at least 48 hours.