Parents warned as eighth child contracts e.coli
Parents are being warned to keep their children away from Sutton Park as an eighth child has become infected with e.coli.
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Precautionary posters up in Sutton Park after E. coli outbreak
by ITV Central
The Head of Parks at Birmingham City Council is hoping the recent outbreaks of e.coli at Sutton Parks won't keep people away from the area.
Seven patients including five children under the age of 8, have been infected with E. coli O157 in recent weeks. At least one is known to have been hospitalised.
Darren Share, Head fo Parks at Birmingham City Council, said: "Come along to the park but take precaution.
"We have signs up telling people what to do. Please wash your hands and make sure that children, especially those under eight, are kept away from grazing animals. Also look after your pets."
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Doctor at Sutton Park offering advice following an E. coli outbreak
by ITV Central
Dr Roger Gajraj from the Health Protection Agency was at Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield today, where he was offering advice to parents and children to help stop anybody else being infected with E. coli.
He advised parents on how E. coli enters on infection prevention tips, such as washing your hands before eating and washing pram and bicycle tyres after visiting the park.
Children infected with e.coli
7 people including 5 children have been infected with a strain of E coli after visiting Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield.
Read the full storyChildren infected with e.coli in Sutton Park
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is working with Birmingham City Council to investigate an outbreak of e.coli at Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield.
Of the seven patients identified as being infected with E. coli O157 in recent weeks, five were children under eight and at least one is known to have been hospitalised.
The HPA said the strain of the bacteria was often associated with contact with rural environments that may have been contaminated by animal faeces.
– Dr Roger Gajraj, HPA's West Midlands East Health Protection UnitThe council is increasing hand-washing facilities at the park and the city council and HPA are issuing leaflets and displaying posters to warn visitors of the risks and advise on preventative measures.
The best protection against E. coli is to always wash your hands, especially after contact with animals, after going to the toilet and immediately before eating. I would also advise cyclists and walkers to wash their tyres, footwear and their hands after visiting Sutton Park as an extra precaution.
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