The latest annual data of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows a 26% rise in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections in England in 2024 when compared to 2023. Overall, 2,544 culture-confirmed cases of STEC were reported in England during 2024, an increase of 26.1% compared to 2023. These included 564 cases of STEC serotype O157 and 1,980 cases of other STEC serotypes (non-O157). The highest incidence of STEC cases in 2024 was in children aged 1 to 4 years (84 cases of STEC O157 and 273 cases of STEC non-O157). The higher incidence of confirmed STEC cases in children aged 1 to 4 years may be explained by a combination of factors such as less time to build immunity to infection, less developed hygiene practices, a greater likelihood of parents seeking healthcare when young children are symptomatic, and potential exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms. Travel related cases increased by 60.5% from 114 in 2023 to 183 in 2024. In 2024, 2.1% of STEC O157 cases and 1.7% of STEC non O157 cases developed HUS. There were 7 deaths among STEC cases 2 from STEC O157 and 5 from non-O157. In 2024, UKHSA and partner agencies investigated 5 STEC outbreaks involving 467 cases, with 348 in England. All were caused by STEC non-O157. The sources for 3 of these outbreaks were contaminated beef, fresh fruit, and salad leaves. The largest outbreak was linked to contaminated salad leaves, which resulted in 293 cases, including 196 cases in England. Of the 293 cases, 126 cases needed hospital care,11 developed complications of HUS, and 2 died. STEC non-O157 cases have increased nearly 3 times since 2019, while O157 cases have returned to pre-pandemic levels. This increase in STEC non-O157 in 2024 is due to the outbreak linked to salad leaves. @ https://www.gov.uk/government/news/shiga-toxin-producing-ecoli-stec-cases-rise-in-england
