There were 2063 cultured confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) reported in England during 2022, an increase of 79.2% compared to 2021 according to data published on the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Link to the report below.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/escherichia-coli-e-coli-o157-annual-totals/shiga-toxin-producing-escherichia-coli-stec-data-2022

Of the 2063 confirmed cases there were 762 culture-confirmed cases of STEC O157 and 1,301 culture-confirmed cases of Non O157 STEC.

In addition, for Non O157 STEC cases there were 697 faecal specimens positive for stx genes on PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) but culture negative making a possible total of 1998 Non O157 STEC cases an increase of 61.9% compared to 2021 and of 94.0% compared to 2019.

There were 3 deaths in relation to the STEC O157 cases and 13 were reported to have developed Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) a serious and life-threatening condition predominantly affecting the kidneys.  233 of these STEC O157 cases were hospitalised. In relation to these E.coli O157 cases this was the highest number of cases since 2015 in England. 

According to the Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) United Kingdom Food Security Report 2024 there were 1201 cases of STEC O157 in the UK in 2022.

In relation to Non O157 STEC’S There were 3 deaths and 32 were reported to have developed Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS).176 of 600 cases where there were records available were hospitalised.

The largest number of Non O157 confirmed cases in England that were identified in 2022 were O26 with 186 cases followed by O146 with 166 cases, O91 with 133 cases, O103 with 101 cases and O128ab with 84 cases.

There were several cases where more than one strain of STEC was identified.