Glasgow Hydro E.coli cases being investigated

The Glasgow Hydro is the subject of a suspected E.coli outbreak. Picture: TSPL

Six people have been infected with the E coli O157 bug in Scotland and one in Cumbria.

Investigators have linked the seven cases to events at the landmark venue earlier this year. The major entertainment hub opened in the city last September.

A statement from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said: “There is an association with the consumption of burgers at the Hydro but other food items are also being considered.”

Anyone who visited the Hydro between 17 and 25 January and has experienced symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and fever is advised to contact their GP.

All seven patients are recovering at home. Each of them attended Top Gear Live on 18 and 19 January.

One of the cases is from the NHSGGC area, two are from the NHS Lanarkshire area, three from NHS Lothian and one is from Cumbria.

Dr Gillian Penrice, consultant in public health medicine at NHSGGC, said: “We are pleased that all the cases are recovering at home.

“Investigations are under way to identify if there is any common source. While there is no conclusive evidence, our initial investigations have indicated that there may be a link to the consumption of burgers at the SSE Hydro and Glasgow City Council environmental health officers are working closely with the vendors to ensure all appropriate food hygiene standards are being met.

“I would ask anyone who has attended the Hydro recently and who has experienced or is continuing to experience symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and fever to contact their GP.”

The Hydro is a participating venue in the Commonwealth Games in July, when the 12,000-seat arena will host gymnastics and netball.

Other events at the complex during the period under investigation were Del Amitri and Celtic Connections shows.

The £125 million venue is next to the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre on the banks of the Clyde.

The Hydro said in a statement: “We have been contacted by environmental health (EHO) in relation to an investigation into an E coli outbreak which they believe may have been connected to one of the catering outlets on our premises.

“We are awaiting further details to establish the exact cause of this isolated incident and our catering partners have been working closely with environmental health.

“The initial review of our caterers’ standard procedures have been found to be satisfactory and EHO have seen nothing in their processes and practices which concerns them.

“We wish to assure the public that at this time we have no significant concerns in relation to catering for our patrons.”