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 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.
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 had 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.
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.
What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome, is is a very rare and serious condition that affects the nerves.
It mainly affects the feet, hands and limbs, causing problems such as numbness, weakness and pain.
In about two-thirds of cases, it follows a viral or bacterial infection, like E. coli.
It can be treated and most people will eventually make a full recovery.
Athough it can occasionally be life-threatening some people are left with long-term problems – and in some cases it can be fatal.
Guillain-Barré syndrome affects people of all ages but it is more common in adults and males.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms often start in your feet and hands before spreading to your arms and legs.
At first you may have:
- Numbness
- Pins and needles
- Muscle weakness
- Pain
- Problems with balance and co-ordination
These symptoms may continue to get worse over the next few days or weeks before they start to slowly improve.
In severe cases, you may have difficulty moving, walking, breathing and/or swallowing.
Source: NHS
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.”
Boots has been approached for comment.
Full list of products recalled over E. coli fears
HERE is the full list of sandwiches, wraps and salads recalled over fears they might contain dangerous bacteria, where each of them is sold and the ‘use-by’ date on the last affected batch.
Asda
- Smoky Beans and Cheddar Cheese Wrap – June 15
- Chicken Salad (Sandwich) – June 15
- Chicken & Bacon Club (Sandwich) – June 15
- Brie, Bacon and Chilli Chutney (Sandwich) – June 15
- BLT (Sandwich) – June 16
- Vegan No Chick’n Caesar Wrap – June 15
- Tuna Crunch Sub Roll – June 15
- Southern Fried Chicken Wrap – June 15
- Southern Fried Chicken Triple Wrap – June 15
ALDI
- Chicken Fajita Triple Wrap – June 16
Amazon
- Chicken Salad Sandwich – June 16
- Ploughman’s Sandwich – June 16
- Chicken & Bacon Layered Salad – June 16
- Prawn Layered Salad – June 16
- BLT Sandwich – June 16
Boots
- BBQ Chicken Wrap – June 16
- BLT (Sandwich) – June 16
- Cheddar Cheese Ploughman’s (Sandwich) – June 16
- Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap – June 16
- Chicken Salad (Sandwich) – June 16
- Chicken Triple (Sandwich) – June 16
- Delicious Ham & Cheese Ploughman’s (Sandwich) – June 16
- Halloumi & Greek Style Salad wrap – June 16
- Ham & Egg Club (Sandwich) – June 16
- Mixed Triple (Sandwich) – June 16
- Southern Fried Chicken Wrap – June 16
- Spicy Bean & Cheese Wrap – June 16
- Vegan No Chicken Salad (Sandwich) – June 16
- Vegan No Duck & Hoisin Wrap – June 16
- Veggie Triple (Sandwich) – June 16
Co-op
- Vegan Gro Onion Bhaji (Sandwich) – June 16
- Mexican Style Bean & Cheese Wrap – June 16
- Ham, Cheese & Pickle (Sandwich) – June 16
- Ham & Cheese Wrap – June 16
- Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap – June 17
- Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato (Sandwich) – June 16
Morrisons
- Chicken Salad (Sandwich) – June 16
- Chicken Salad PFS (Sandwich) – June 16
- Gluten-Free Chicken Salad (Sandwich) – June 16
- Gluten-Free Sandwich Platter – June 16
One Stop
- Tuna Crunch Sub – June 16
- Chicken Salad Sandwich – June 17
- Hoisin Duck Wrap – June 17
- Chicken, Bacon and Lettuce Sandwich – June 17
Sainsbury’s
- Peri Peri Chicken Wrap – June 16
- BBQ Pulled Pork & Red Leicester (Sandwich) – June 16
- Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Focaccia (Sandwich) – June 16
- Greek Style Wrap – June 16
- Jerk Halloumi Wrap – June 16
Tesco
- Chicken Salad Sandwich – June 16
- Chicken Salad Sub – June 16
- BBQ Chicken Wrap – June 16
- Hoi Sin Duck Wrap – June 16
- The Chicken Club Sandwich – June 16
- Tuna Crunch Sub – June 16
- Spicy Bean Wrap – June 16
- Chicken Bacon & Lettuce Sandwich – June 16
- Fajita Chicken Wrap – June 16
- Summer Edition Greek Style Chicken Gyros Wrap – June 16
The Gym Kitchen
- Peri Peri Chicken Chilled Wrap – June 16
WH Smith
- THIS! Ins’t Chicken & Bacon Wrap – June 18
Read more on the recalls here.
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.”
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
