Man, 66, left with ‘serious brain injury’ after catching E. coli from recalled £4.99 sandwich

A MAN was left with a serious neurological condition after contracting E. coli from a since-recalled £4.99 sandwich.

John Daniels, 66, suffered severe diarrhoea and was passing blood for two days after eating the chicken and bacon Caesar wrap from Boots.

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The chartered surveyor was taken to hospital on May 19 and was diagnosed with E. coli the following day.

He was discharged on May 22, but five days later he returned to hospital as he felt dizzy and weak and he was unable to walk unaided.

He was then diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome - a serious condition that affects the nervous system - as a result of the E. coli infection.tra

A few weeks on, he has lost around half a stone in weight and is continuing to be monitored by medical teams.

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John, of Macclesfield, Cheshire, said: "The past month has been nothing short of traumatic."

He's now instructed lawyers to probe the sickness after it emerged hundreds of people had been affected by an outbreak of the bug.

I'm still not right physically, and I don't know if I ever will be

John Daniels

NATIONAL OUTBREAK

At least 60 types of pre-packed sandwiches, wraps and salads have been recalled as a result of the outbreak.

So far, 211 people are confirmed to have been infected with E. coli bacteria and at least 67 people have required hospital treatment.

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Most cases - 147 - were reported in England, but 35 were detected in Scotland, 27 in Wales and two in Northern Ireland, though evidence suggests these last two infections were picked up while visiting England.

All the cases were caused by a strain of the bacteria called called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145 (STEC), which can leave sufferers with severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, tummy pain and fever.

'WENT FROM BAD TO WORSE'

"I've never been that unwell before so I knew something was very wrong, but to be told I had E. coli and then Guillain-Barre Syndrome was a huge shock," John said.

"My condition went from bad to worse as I developed complication after complication.

"I'm still not right physically, and I don't know if I ever will be, and to hear how many others have been affected is deeply upsetting.

"I just hope that something is done to stop it happening to anyone else."

Food manufacturer THIS! has recalled its vegan 'chicken and bacon' wrap over fears of E. coli contamination.

It has urged people who bought one at WHSmith before June 18 not to eat it.

The move came after Greencore Group and Samworth Brothers Manton Wood recalled at least 60 pre-packaged products.

The Food Standards Agency says it is "confident" lettuce leaves are the source of the outbreak.

Retailers involved include Aldi, Asda, Boots, Co-op and Morrisons.

Sarita Sharma, a specialist public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: "What John has suffered over the past few weeks is very concerning, and he's understandably upset and distressed at what he's been through as a result of the E. coli infection.

"To hear that more than 200 people have also been affected is truly shocking.

"E. coli is a bacteria which can cause foodborne illness, leading to gastric symptoms and in some cases, such as John's, it can lead to other serious health conditions.

"The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now investigating and has found that John's illness is likely to have come from the recalled sandwich.

"It's now vital, where applicable, that lessons are learned going forward to keep consumers safe."

A Boots spokesperson said: "In response to Greencore's product recall on 14 June 2024, Boots took the precautionary measure of recalling a number of its sandwiches and wraps.

"There have been no positive results of STEC E. coli in any of the Food Standards Agency’s testing of our products.”

How can I avoid getting sick with E. coli?

Trish Mannes, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: "Symptoms of infections with STEC include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.

"If you are unwell, have eaten salad leaves recently and are concerned about any symptoms, follow NHS.uk guidance on when to seek help and the steps you can take to avoid further spread to family and friends.

"While diarrhoea and vomiting can have a range of causes, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and risk of infecting others."

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She advised you:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water
• Using disinfectants to clean surfaces to help stop any further spread of infection
• Do not prepare food for others if you are unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting
• Avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings
• Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped