Parents warned over 3 food illnesses that can turn 'serious' in young children
The UK Health Security Agency is urging parents to be aware of some early symptoms of three specific infection that could become serious in young children
Parents should be aware of some common summer infections their children may be facing
(Image: GETTY)
The UK Health Security Agency has released an alert for parents as the summer holidays get under way - particularly for those with young children who may be unknowingly facing some serious bacteria.
Three particular infections the agency warned of are salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shiga toxin producing E coli (STEC). These bacteria can be quite common during the summer months and are usually passed on through contaminated food or water.
For all three infections, some early symptoms include stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhoea, which may be bloody. If your child experiences severe or bloody diarrhoea, signs of dehydration or symptoms that last longer than they should, it's advised to contact your GP or 111.
STEC
Cattle are the most common transmitter of this infection, which can be passed on through contaminated food, animals, drinking water or swimming water. It is very infectious and can easily spread through the family, nursing homes and schools.
There is no specific treatment, and the symptoms, which usually consist of diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever, should start to fade after about two weeks if there are no other complications.
STEC can cause a range of complications, such as causing the colon to become inflamed and bleed. In around 10 per cent of cases, particularly affecting children and elderly patients, STEC can develop into haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
This is a serious complication damaging the small blood vessels in the kidney and potentially leading to kidney failure. In adults, the infection can lead to thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura, a rare disorder causing small blood clots throughout the body which may start with flu-like symptoms.
More information about STEC can be found here.
Campylobacter
This is usually the bacteria behind most cases of gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. Almost one in 10 people fall ill with this infection every year according to the World Health Organisation.
Symptoms can start up to 10 days after being infected with the bacteria and can last for up to six days. The most common signs are diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Some dangerous complications can arise from the infection, such as pancreatitis, reactive arthritis, and miscarriage. But death from campylobacteriosis is rare.
It's mainly transmitted via food such as undercooked meat, raw milk, and contaminated water or ice.
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Salmonella
This bacteria lives in the guts of a range of wild and domestic animals, including chicken, cattle, pigs, hedgehogs, snakes and lizards. It's well-known for its food poisoning capabilities.
More information can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Symptoms like diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever usually develop between 12 and 72 hours after becoming infected. It usually lasts for around four to seven days but if the symptoms aren't fading by this time it's best to consult a doctor.
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