Two dead following E. coli outbreak linked to mixed salad leaves

Two people have died following an outbreak of E. coli thought to be linked to eating mixed salad leaves.

Public Health England said it is investigating after 151 people have been affected by the bug, which can cause severe food poisoning.

Experts are examining whether salad leaves, included rocket imported from the Mediterranean, may be to blame.

In England, 144 cases have been diagnosed with six in Wales and one in Scotland. It is unknown where the two people died.

Dr Isabel Oliver, director of PHE's field epidemiology service, said: "PHE has been working to establish the cause of the outbreak and has identified that several of the affected individuals ate mixed salad leaves including rocket leaves prior to becoming unwell.

"Currently, the source of the outbreak is not confirmed and remains under investigation; we are not ruling out other food items as a potential source.

"PHE is using various approaches including whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies to test samples from those affected.

“WGS technologies are at the forefront of improving the diagnosis of infectious diseases and this testing has indicated that the strain involved is likely to be an imported strain, possibly from the Mediterranean area.

"PHE is also working closely with the Food Standards Agency to trace, sample and test salad products grown in the UK and other parts of Europe.