VICTIMS are set to sue supermarkets over an outbreak of E.coli.
Lawyers revealed they’re seeking a class action after packaged sandwiches were identified as the source of the potentially deadly bug.
Some 35 Scots were struck down but it is anticipated more will come forward to join the action, which is understood to involve several retailers.
Patrick McGuire of solicitors Thompsons Scotland said: “Outbreaks of this kind are extremely worrying, and that so many leading retailers are involved shows how serious it is.
“My team has taken inquires from families where a loved one has been affected by this potentially fatal bug.
“Those affected will have strong claims for substantial damages. We are gathering evidence.”
We told how sarnies were recalled from major chains such as Asda, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Morrisons and Tesco as they had lettuce linked to the infection.
E.coli can be spread by eating contaminated foods or by coming into close contact with an infected person or animal.
Most people who contract the virus usually recover within two weeks, however, there can be more serious consequences for young children and older adults.
Some people can develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure.
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While E.coli bacteria are generally harmless and live in the guts, some strains, including Stec, can produce toxins that can make people unwell.
Infections caused by Stec bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhoea and, in some cases, more serious complications.
People can take a number of steps to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections, as well as limiting the spread to others.
These include:
- Regularly wash your hands with warm water and soap — alcohol gels do not kill all bugs that cause diarrhoeal illness
- Follow food hygiene measures such as washing fruit and vegetables and cooking food properly
- If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you should not prepare food for others
- Avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes to avoid passing on the infection
Anyone with symptoms should not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after they have stopped
E.coli Symptoms
Symptoms of infections with STEC include:
- Severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Fever.
If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends.
NHS.UK has information on what to do if you have symptoms and when to seek medical advice.
Call NHS 111 or contact your GP surgery if:
- you’re worried about a baby under 12 months
- your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
- a child under 5 years has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
- you or your child (over 5 years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- you or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days
111 will give you advice. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
