E.coli cases have been reported in Horsham linked to the national outbreak.

Horsham District Council has issued an alert regarding E.coli cases found in the district.

Two suspected cases of E.coli have been reported within the Horsham district and investigated by environmental health officers, with over 40 cases being identified nationally since February.

A spokesman for the environmental health and licensing team said: “STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) can cause serious illness in most people, especially the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, but it is particularly dangerous in young children who are at risk of developing a life-threatening disease called ‘HUS’ – or haemolytic uraemic syndrome – which results in kidney failure.

“General symptoms of a STEC infection will be stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhoea, which can include bloody diarrhoea in around half of cases.“Most people will make a full recovery, although these symptoms can last around two weeks if there are no complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).”

HUS is a condition when small blood vessels become damaged and cause clots leading to kidney failure.

“If your child shows any of the symptoms of HUS following gastrointestinal illness then it is critical that medical attention is sought as a matter of urgency.”

The council is advising anyone with concerns to contact their GP or call NHS 111 for advice.