Check our map to see the worst-affected areas
“ALARMINGLY high” levels of E. coli have been found at beaches and rivers popular with British holidaymakers just weeks before the summer rush.
More than 100 people across the UK have also fallen ill in a food-related outbreak, which has seen at least 37 hospitalised.
A “do not swim” notice has been issued for St Helen’s Beach in Rosslare, Ireland, after testing revealed the bacteria was present.
A similar warning is in place at Greve de Lecq in Jersey after high levels of E. coli were found in the water.
At least six major rivers have also been caught up in the bacteria storm, with officials urging people not to paddle or punt.
Among them is the River Cam in Cambridge, where E. coli levels were six times the acceptable level.
The River Avon in Hampshire is also on the ‘no-go’ list after government testing showed levels to be more than three times the safe level.
And samples taken from the River Tone at French Weir Park in Taunton, Somerset, were almost five times higher.
The worst two rivers were the Wharfe in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, and the Stour at Friars Meadow, Suffolk.
Samples taken from both showed E. coli levels more than 10 times the safe limit.
In February and March, “alarmingly high” levels of E. coli were found in the River Thames in parts of London.
Tests showed an average of 2,869 E. coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of water – well above the water quality standard of below 1,000 CFU.
The highest level recorded was 9,801 – almost 10 times the safe limit.
Dr Rob Collins, of the Rivers Trust, told MPs last month: “I’m not exaggerating when I say someone is going to die.
“Thousands of children and families will be taking to rivers and lakes at half-term, none of which have bathing status.”
Head of River Action, James Wallace, added: “We are in a tragic situation.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy our rivers and seas without risking their health.”
Water quality in rivers is often poor after it rains as this is when water companies are most likely to release sewage.
Brits are urged to wait at least 72 hours after rainfall before entering the water.
E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that live in the intestines of humans and animals.
They are normally harmless, but some strains, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145 (STEC), can make people very ill.
The most common symptoms include stomach cramps, a fever, and diarrhoea that is bloody in about 50 per cent of cases.
Symptoms can last up to two weeks in uncomplicated cases, but infections can be fatal.
‘LIFE-THREATENING’ COMPLICATIONS
Some patients, mainly children, may develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which is a serious life-threatening condition resulting in kidney failure.
A small proportion of adults may develop a similar condition called thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP).
STEC is often transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal or where it lives, close contact with an infected person, swimming in contaminated seas, lakes and rivers, and eating or drinking contaminated food and water.
At least 37 people have been admitted to hospital in an E. coli outbreak linked to food between May 25 and June 4, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
There have been 113 confirmed cases, with 81 in England, 18 in Wales, 13 in Scotland and one person in Northern Ireland who believes they fell ill in England.
Those affected range in age from two to 79, with the majority of cases in young adults.
Experts expect numbers to rise rapidly, but there has been no update since June 6.
The UK typically sees around 1,500 cases of STEC every year.
Owing to the “wide geographic spread of cases”, the agency believes this outbreak is linked to a nationally distributed food item or multiple food items.
The UKHSA said it is working with public health agencies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland to determine the cause of people’s illness.
Experts say the most likely culprit is a ready-to-eat item that contains dairy.
Anyone with symptoms is urged to stay home from work and school, and not to return until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.
Trish Mannes, incident director at the UKHSA, said: “If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends.
“NHS.uk has information on what to do if you have symptoms and when to seek medical advice.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces will help stop infections from spreading.
“If you are unwell with 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 in these settings.
“Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.”
People are advised to call NHS 111 or contact their GP surgery if they are worried about a baby under 12 months, a child stops breast or bottle feeding while they are ill, a child under five has signs of dehydration such as fewer wet nappies, and if older children or adults still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets.
Help should also be sought if people are being sick and cannot keep fluid down, there is bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom, diarrhoea lasts more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, the UKHSA said.
