Cases of the dreaded vomiting bug E. coli reported at Coventry's hospital trust rose last year.

According to NHS data, there were 176 recorded incidences of the bug reported by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Trust between January and June.

It is a significant increase on the same time period last year.

In 2017 there were 159 cases marking an increase of more than 10 per cent.

This means that on average, there is one case being reported by the trust each day this year.

The trust runs both University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) and the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby.

University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire

What the hospital trust said

A spokesperson for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust said the rise in 2018 should be seen in the context of an unusually low number of cases between January and June in 2017.

Numbers were particularly low in January to March last year when just 68 cases were reported compared to an average of 75 seen in the same quarter in the previous six years.

Responding to the rise, the Trust's spokesperson said: "The vast majority of E. coli infections are acquired in the community before people come into hospital, for example from elderly patients developing urinary tract infections.

"There has been a national increase in E. coli infections over the last 10 years, although in 2017 there were fewer cases reported nationally. The rates for UHCW NHS Trust are in line with national and regional figures.

"Because of this national trend, we have been working hard to reduce the risk of infections to our patients, through practising good hygiene and training our staff, as well as working with community partners.

"Our Infection, Prevention & Control nurses also work closely with residential and nursing homes across Coventry and Rugby to reduce rates in the community, helping their staff improve hydration amongst their residents, as well as teaching them good practice in catheter care to prevent infections."

What is E. coli?

E. coli is a bacterial infection that can cause serious food poisoning and infection.

Symptoms, which usually last up to seven days - can include vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

In rare cases, infections can be severe and even life-threatening.

Treatment depends on the exact nature of the infection.

E. coli bacteria are usually spread through fecal matter reaching the mouth, so good hygiene is critical in preventing spread.

In particular, people are advised to wash their hands after going to the toilet.

E. coli across the UK

The NHS collects data on E. coli infection for 151 acute hospital trusts in England.

They point out that cases are reported by the trust that processed the specimen, which might not always reflect where the E coli bacteria were acquired.

Nationwide, the number of E coli cases recorded by all hospitals trusts in England rose from 19,907 in January to June 2017 to 20,217 in January to June 2018.

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