E.coli mother is 'seriously ill'

A woman is on a life support machine after an E.coli outbreak thought to be linked to a fish and chip shop.

Librarian Karen Morrisroe-Clutton, who has an 11-week-old baby, is being treated along with another person at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) for Wales said it was investigating four cases. Llay Fish Bar, Llay, Wrexham has been closed.

Anyone with symptoms should call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647.

Ms Morrisroe-Clutton is seriously ill in hospital and her baby Oliver is being cared for by her parents while her husband Paul is at her side.


It is important that anyone who is ill should observe strict personal hygiene to avoid spreading the infection
Dr Judy Hart, NPHS

Ms Morrisroe-Clutton's mother, Rose Morrisroe, said her daughter fell ill last Tuesday after eating a vegetarian burger from the premises under investigation.

She added: "She started with diarrhoea, then developed sickness and was passing blood.

"The doctor became worried and sent for tests, after which she was admitted to intensive care at the Maelor Hospital.

"She's been in a medically-induced coma since then and is on kidney dialysis and a plasma exchange machine.

"Things are improving slightly but she's not out of danger yet. She's just had a baby which we're looking after.

"Thankfully he's young enough not to know. It's a very worrying time."

Dr Judy Hart, consultant in communicable disease control at the NPHS, said: "The National Public Health Service for Wales and Wrexham County Borough Council's environmental health officers are investigating four cases of E.coli O157 in three families from the Wrexham area.

The statement went on to say that two people have been hospitalised and as a precautionary measure, a food premises was closed by the council on 30 July while investigations are carried out.

'Symptoms'

Dr Hart added: "The symptoms of E.coli O157 range from mild diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever to bloody diarrhoea.

"Most people recover without complications, but the most severe cases can develop kidney failure.

"Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should contact NHS Direct Wales for advice on 0845 4647."

She said people could become infected with E.coli O157 by eating contaminated food, through contact with farm animals or through contact with contaminated water.

"The infection can also pass from person to person and so it is important that anyone who is ill should observe strict personal hygiene to avoid spreading the infection," said Dr Hart.

"The incubation period for E.coli O157 can range from one to 14 days, but is characteristically three to four days. The length of the illness can vary but people with E.coli O157 are usually ill for up to two weeks."

She said investigations were ongoing and the NPHS and Wrexham Council would continue to monitor the situation closely."