'Barbecue bug' cases rise by more than 30 per cent
A FOOD poisoning bug that favours barbecues is responsible for an increasing number of illnesses in Scotland.
Health Protection Scotland (HPS) said 2009 saw 6,378 reports of campylobacter – often called the barbecue bug because of its link to poorly cooked meat.
This is an increase of 1,500 – 30.7 per cent – compared with the 4,878 reports in 2008.
The incidence of campylobacter in Scotland peaked in 2000 at 6,482 cases, and last year's figure was only slightly lower than that. However, the reason for the latest rise remains unclear.
HPS said: "The increase in 2009 was not the result of any identified outbreaks, but rather an increase in cases throughout the year, across Scotland.
"No obvious reason for this increase has been identified."
It is thought that the majority of cases go unreported as most people don't see a doctor.
Email to a friend
Print this page- David Cameron is playing into the SNP’s hands, says Michael Forsyth
- Rangers administration: European hopes in doubt as wait goes on for tax tribunal result
- Brian Monteith: Positive push to keep Scotland in the union
- Rangers administration: Calls grow for finance inquiry
- Scottish independence: No vote for under 18s, says Michael Moore
- David Cameron is playing into the SNP’s hands, says Michael Forsyth
- Scottish independence: Ruth Davidson points to welfare
- Scottish independence: SNP’s plans ‘in a state of flux’, Willie Rennie claims
- First Minister accused of snubbing devolved nations
- ‘Troubled times’ for shops as customers fall
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Edinburgh
Monday 20 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: South west
