Nine People in Scotland Contract E.Coli After Eating Venison
Nine people have contracted E.coli across Scotland after eating venison.
Health Protection Scotland said each of the patients had consumed venison products including sausages, steaks and meatballs which were raw when purchased and then cooked at home.
The nine cases have the same strain of the bug - E.coli O157 PT32 - but the venison is believed to have been bought from different shops.
Eight patients are recovering at home and one is being treated in hospital.
Symptoms normally develop after ingesting contaminated foods or liquids or having been in contact with infected animals. Sufferers often develop a fever leading to sickness and diarrhoea.
Advice on precautions which can be taken to reduce the risk of infection have been issued, including washing hands after contact with possible sources such as raw food.
Dr Syed Ahmed, consultant with Health Protection Scotland, said 'It is important that all deer meat should be cooked thoroughly and should not be eaten medium or rare. The risk of E.coli O157 infection can be reduced by careful hand-washing, especially after contact with animals, handling raw meats, after going to the toilet and immediately before preparing or eating food and by making sure that food is always properly prepared.'