Afternoon:
10°c
How farm bug outbreak unfolded
14 Sep 2009The first case of E.coli linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey was reported two-and-a-half weeks ago.
Here is how the situation, leading to the farm's closure to the public, unfolded:
August 27: Surrey-Sussex Health Protection Unit (HPU) received a laboratory report of a case of E.coli O157. It emerges, after investigation from Environmental Health officers, that the person had visited Godstone Farm.
August 28: Environmental Health Officers contacted staff at the farm to advise them to remind visitors to wash their hands after petting animals.
September 1: Three further cases are reported to the HPU, including that of a person who visited the farm on August 8, believed to be the earliest incidence of E.coli in this outbreak. A visit to the farm is arranged for September 3.
September 3: Environmental Health Officers and Health Protection Agency officials inspect the farm and tell managers that contact with high-risk animals should cease. Four further cases are reported to the HPU.
September 4-11: More cases are reported to the HPU, but all had visited the farm before control measures were introduced on September 3.
September 11: In the late afternoon, the HPU learns of a case who visited the farm on September 4. The farm is advised to close.
September 12: The farm is closed to the public, with messages on its website and telephone line informing visitors of the outbreak. The HPA says four children are seriously ill in hospital.
September 13: The condition of one of the children improves, leaving three seriously ill. Farm manager Richard Oatway speaks of the farm's commitment to safety.
