E.coli cases in Merthyr Tydfil

As members will be aware, the National Public Health Service (NPHS) were notified of an E. coli O157 case in an 11 month old child on 9th May.  They linked this 11 month old child to another 3 year old child who was a pupil at St Illtyd’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Merthyr Tydfil.  This 3 year old child had symptoms at school.  As a result, in accordance with national guidelines, pupils in the reception and nursery classes were excluded from school and parents asked to submit stool specimens to exclude infection, prior to them returning to school.  

Over the weekend, the NPHS have confirmed that the three year old boy is positive for E.coli 0157 as are two close adult contacts. The total number of cases is now therefore four.

Tests on the children in the nursery and reception classes at St Illtyd’s school are awaited.  It is possible that when the results emerge, the number of confirmed cases will increase.

The NPHS is continuing to investigate the source by means of interviews and epidemiological study and has issued public health advice to the families of pupils who have been excluded from the nursery and reception classes, which will help prevent any spread of infection. That advice centres on the importance of hand hygiene. Given the increased awareness about these matters in schools, the Welsh Assembly Government will shortly be issuing infection control guidance to those who look after children in nurseries, playgroups and other childcare settings. The guidance will offer advice on hand, toilet, food and kitchen hygiene. This will be followed later in the year by further advice to staff who work with primary and secondary school children.

Further information about the E.coli cases in Merthyr can be found on the NPHS’ website at www.nphs.wales.nhs.uk