Health chiefs issue urgent warning after detecting surge in deadly gut bug linked to bowel cancer - faeces contaminated salad blamed
According to new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 2,544 culture-confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) were reported last year—a 26 per cent increase compared to 2,018 cases in 2023.
These included 564 cases of STEC serotype O157—the strain historically linked to the most severe illness.
Some studies have suggested that chronic exposure to certain toxin-producing strains of E. coli, including STEC, may play a role in bowel cancer development—though more research is needed to confirm a direct link.
Typically, STEC bacteria causes gastroenteritis, with symptoms ranging from mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration.
In severe cases, they can lead to haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)—a life-threatening complication that affects the kidneys.
Food can become contaminated with STEC through contact with animal faeces during farming, slaughter, or processing. It can also occur if produce like salad leaves is irrigated or washed with contaminated water.
The increase in 2024 was partly driven by a major outbreak linked to contaminated salad leaves, which resulted in 293 cases across the UK, including 196 in England. Of those affected, 126 required hospital care, 11 developed HUS and two died. More to follow.
UKHSA Dr Gauri Godbole stomach bug expert said: 'It is important for people to take steps to prevent infection.
'Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly.
'Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to hydrate yourself.' More to follow.
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