PRESS RELEASE - July 2006

E. coli outbreak in Leeds leaves over 20 people affected

Over twenty people have become ill after becoming infected with the potentially fatal E. coli 0157 strain. An investigation carried out by the Health Protection Agency and Leeds City Council has confirmed the source of the E-coli bug as a butcher's shop in the Armley area of Leeds after samples of cooked meat produced by Todd's Pork and Beef were found to contain E. coli 0157.

As a result the Health Protection Agency is advising people not to eat any cooked meats or meat products supplied by Todd's and not to feed it to pets. Todd's do not supply supermarkets but supply a number of other retail outlets across the city with cooked and uncooked meat products.

According to news reports around 12 of the people affected required hospital treatment including a five year old girl and an 82 year old woman.

What is E-Coli?
E. coli is a common bug naturally present in the environment.   It mostly helps to keep people healthy but some strains, such as the 0157 strain can be potentially fatal. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. E. coli 0157 is normally found in the intestines of people and cattle and the bug is passed on by eating infected food and liquid.

In the worst recorded outbreak of E.coli poisoning in the UK 21 people died in 1996 after attending a church lunch in Wishaw, Lanarkshire.

What are the symptoms?
E-Coli symptoms range from feeling sick and suffering with mild diarrhoea and vomiting to abdominal cramps and blood in the stools (haemorrhagic colitis). In some patients, particularly young children and the elderly more serious complications can occur. May we refer you to our notice on this web site.

Should I make a Claim?
Only if you have suffered an injury resulting from eating meat infected with the E.coli 0157 bug and your doctor or hospital has confirmed that you have been infected with E.coli. If you have been experiencing any symptoms detailed above and are concerned that you may have been infected it is advisable to consult your GP without delay.

What do I do now?
If you wish to proceed further then please complete the on line enquiry on this page or call us for a free information pack.

What if I have a question to ask?
We are happy to answer individual questions before you decide to proceed. Our telephone numbers appear below.

Why Pictons?
We were the lead solicitors in the group action following the outbreak of E.coli in Cumbria in 2000 We were the joint lead solicitors in the Three Valleys Water Action group following contamination of the water supply with cryptosporidium and currently represent a number of clients' following the contamination in North Wales of the water supply with cryptosporidium.

Further information about us will be found in the information pack and here on our web site.

Contacts:

Deborah Smith or Mike Neale
Personal Injury Team
Tel: 01582 870 860
Fax: 01582 870 872
Email: deborah.smith@pictons.co.uk