Health Officials in the UK Confirm One Fatality in E. coli Outbreak Linked to Lettuce in Sandwiches

An E. coli outbreak in the United Kingdom has led to the sickness of at least 275 people in the past month, with one person reported dead. The outbreak, which has caused 122 hospitalizations, is believed to be linked to lettuce in pre-packaged sandwiches, according to the U.K. Health Security Agency.

Though two patients with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli died in May, only one death was thought to be directly related to the infection, as both individuals had underlying medical conditions. E. coli bacteria typically reside in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, with certain strains capable of causing a variety of illnesses, including urinary tract infections, cystitis, intestinal infections, and vomiting.

The majority of those affected in the recent outbreak suffered from bloody diarrhea, as reported by the UKHSA. Several companies that produce sandwiches sold in popular grocery stores and retail chains across the U.K. have issued voluntary recalls of products such as sandwiches, wraps, and salads starting on June 14. While the number of new cases has decreased lately, the investigation into the source of the outbreak is still ongoing.