'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.