New - E-Coli Outbreak - Friday 18th September
Legal action could be contemplated by those who have been affected by the E-Coli outbreak. It has been reported that the Health Protection Agency (HPA) found hygiene arrangements to be unsatisfactory at Godstone. A further 5 cases have now been reported, bringing the total to 45. Their sister farm Horton Park in Epsom, closed voluntarily.
It has been reported that the HPA have decided to refer this matter to an independent external investigation which would look into factors that contributed to the E-Coli outbreak and how HPA officials handled it. It is to led by George Griffin, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Medicine at St George's, University of London, and chairman of the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens. As we reported earlier in the week Pictons had suggested that there should be a review of the actions (and inter actions) of the various agencies, including the HPA.
The farm at the centre of an E.coli outbreak that left children seriously ill may have remained open longer than it should, health chiefs have admitted yesterday. Health protection officials have apologised for delays in their handling of the outbreak and announced an external investigation. The Health Protection Agency's chief executive Justin McCracken had phoned parents of the children most seriously affected to apologise to them.
It was also been reported yesterday that another child is being treated in hospital following the E-Coli outbreak. This brings the total to thirty-seven, including 13 children, who have been taken ill following a visit to Godstone Farm in Surrey. They contracted the dangerous E-Coli 157 strain of the bug Four children remain seriously ill in hospital, but thankfully in a stable condition.
Mike Neale of Pictons, lawyers in Luton, said in a BBC Radio interview this week that those who have been affected with E-Coli including the parents might consider asking for a Public Enquiry to look into the relationships with the various public agencies. It had been suggested that the farm should have been closed earlier as a result of the first reported case as long ago as 8th August, although the HPA did not receive their first lab report until 27th August. On 1st September they received three further cases. On 3rd September the farm was inspected by the HPA. The farm at Godstone were advised that contact with high risk animals should stop. It was not until 12th September that the farm was closed. Mr Neale said that it might have helped prevent the spread of the E-Coli if earlier action had been taken by both the HPA and the owners of Godstone Farm, and he said that this had not been the first time that there had been a case like this. Legal proceedings may be contemplated at some stage, although a report from the HPA would be considered before any action was taken.
A spokeswoman for the Health Protection Agency said the children were in hospitals across the Surrey region. She said: "Four of the children are quite seriously ill, the rest are stable."
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the E-Coli outbreak could be the largest in the UK where the virus has been transmitted by animals.
The agency said there have been 36 E-Coli cases reported in total, but they cannot rule out the possibility of more children becoming ill due to the bug's delayed incubation period.
The E-Coli symptoms can include ,
Ø diarrhoea, which can contain bloodstains,
Ø vomiting,
Ø fever,
Ø abdominal pains,
Ø feeling week or lethargic
Ø passing less urine.
Ø other more serious complications
It is of course too early to say if legal action may be taken, However, Pictons have been involved with other E-Coli/public health outbreaks and if you require any further information please contact Mike Neale at Pictons: mike.neale@pictons.co.uk or call 01582 870 860 and ask for one of our information packs
