Over 3,998 people have been admitted to hospital with E. coli in south east London over the past three years - and cases nationally are rising.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are frequently found in the intestines of humans and animals.

There are many different types of E. coli. E.coli O157, sometimes called STEC, is a bacterial infection that can lead to symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhoea and kidney failure.

According to data from the UK Health Security Agency, there have been a total of 3,998 confirmed cases of E. coli recorded by four NHS trust hospitals in and around south east London in the last 37 months between June 2021 and June 2024.

E. coli is normally found in the gut and faeces of animals, including cattle, and can be brought on by eating contaminated foods, coming into contact with infected animals or people, drinking contaminated water supplies or coming into contact with poorly treated water.

People infected with E. coli usually notice symptoms after three to four days from being infected, with symptoms usually lasting up to two weeks.

In the last 37 months, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust reported a total of 1,370 E. coli cases, with the highest number of cases (48) being reported in October 2022.

Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust reported a total of 1,058 E. coli cases during the same period, with the highest number (39) recorded in May 2022 and September 2023.

Guys & St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust reported a total of 810 cases over the last 37 months, with the highest number (33) recorded in November 2022 and May 2024.

Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust reported a total of 769 E. coli cases over the last 37 months, with the highest number (33) recorded in June 2023.

Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust confirmed that cases have increased both in the trust and on a national level, with talks ongoing to work to prevent patients from getting sick to avoid hospital treatment.

According to the trust, one of the leading causes of E. coli are urinary tract infections, with a current campaign encouraging patients to stay hydrated to help avoid this.

Louise Bishop, consultant in health protection at UKHSA’s south London health protection team, said: “E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. Currently there are no E. coli outbreaks in south London and the UKHSA continues to monitor levels of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) across the country, with current levels similar to what has been observed in this time period in recent years.

“STEC can produce toxins that can cause severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, and can even lead to kidney failure in some people. Whilst STEC is very infectious, the most effective way to prevent the spread of the illness is by following good hygiene such as washing hands thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet, handling raw meat, before meals and after contact with animals.”

“If you are unwell with any type of diarrhoea and vomiting, you should not prepare food for others while unwell and avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes to avoid passing on the infection. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.”