Six More Cases Confirmed in E. coli Outbreak Linked to Belfast Restaurant

By News Desk | October 26, 2012 Six more people are confirmed to be victims of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened almost 300 people in Northern Ireland. One restaurant, Flicks, has been named as the source of the illnesses. A total of 130 confirmed and 163 probable cases have been linked to the outbreak, reported the Belfast Public Health Agency (PHA) Friday. Flicks is thought to be the only source of the bacteria; however E. coli infections can be spread to others via the fecal-oral route. PHA says its investigation into where the bacteria originated in the restaurant is ongoing, but it cannot reveal any further information at this point. "What we can say at this stage is that the information to date suggests no wider risk to the public from E coli O157 as regards this outbreak, and the restaurant remains closed," said the PHA in a statement Friday. "However, it is important that everyone helps to prevent the spread of E. coli and washes their hands after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. People with vomiting or diarrhoea should remain at home and not prepare food – this is good advice at all times, not just when there is an outbreak." For more on this outbreak, see Northern Ireland's Largest Outbreak Tapers off After Restaurant Closure © Food Safety News More Headlines from Foodborne Illness Investigations » Tags: Belfast, E. coli, E. coli O157:H7, Flicks, Northern Ireland