Health officials warn of rising E. coli cases in young children

Public health officials have issued advice to parents after rising rates of E. coli infections impacting young children.

Shiga Toxin producing E.coli (STEC) infections surged by 26% in England in 2024, UK Health Security Agency figures show.

The increase was partly driven by an outbreak linked to contaminated salad leaves, which caused 196 cases in England, figures show.

Overall, there were 2,544 confirmed cases of STEC in 2024 compared with 2018 cases the year before.

Worryingly the highest incidence was seen in children aged one-to-four years, the figures show, which could be related to a range of reasons.

This includes young children having less immunity to infection, worse hygiene practices, and more exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms, UKHSA said.

But more cases may also be picked up in this group because parents are more likely to seek healthcare advice when young children are sick.

In children aged one-to-four years there were 84 cases of STEC O157 and 273 cases of STEC non-O157 recorded in 2024, the figures show.

Overall travel-related cases also increased by 60.5% – from 114 in 2023 to 183 in 2024, UKHSA said. But it is not clear if this relates to changes in international travel or that clinicians are asking more questions about travel history.

There were seven deaths related to STEC cases – two from STEC O157 and five from non-O157, the data shows.

Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director, gastrointestinal infections, food safety and one health at UKHSA, said while the rise in cases was partly due to a foodborne outbreak, there has been a gradual increase in STEC cases since 2022. 

‘If you have any STEC symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces.

‘Don’t prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.  

‘It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms.

‘If you are travelling abroad, it’s important to remember routine hygiene practises to reduce your chances of becoming unwell.’