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Ishbel Mackinnon - HUSH Co-ordinator
16th March 2005
Like many people I first heard of E.coli O157 when an outbreak in Wishaw (central Scotland) during 1996 claimed the lives of 20 elderly people - my friend's two grandparents included. However, once the media coverage subsided it was pushed to the back of my mind until my son became infected at a Scout camp in Aberdeenshire, celebrating the new millennium. Sheep had been grazing on the site prior to the camp and heavy rainfall spread the bacteria from their droppings to the muddy soil and it is likely that hands became contaminated prior to eating. Jamie was one of 20 who were infected and suffered terrible diarrhoea and agonising stomach cramps for almost a week. It was also necessary that he remain off school until he had two consecutive negative samples and this took several weeks. Since becoming involved with HUSH and speaking to other families I find that this can often be extremely difficult for parents who can feel quite isolated, not to mention the problems associated with necessary time off work. One of the scouts developed Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS), which caused kidney failure and he spent several weeks in a Glasgow hospital. I'm glad to say that he made an excellent recovery and remains well. Being able to enjoy outdoor activities is so important to me and my family. However, being aware of the bacterium and its dangers ensures that we can take precautions to protect ourselves against possible infection. |
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Like many people I first heard of E.coli O157 when an outbreak in Wishaw (central Scotland) during 1996 claimed the lives of 20 elderly people - my friend's two grandparents included. However, once.... read
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