Orkney confirms its third case of E coli infection

A THIRD case of E coli has been confirmed on Orkney.

NHS Orkney launched an investigation after two children who attended the same nursery in Kirkwall contracted the bug. One who was being treated in hospital returned home yesterday.

The other child, described as “a household contact” of the first one, is not showing symptoms.

NHS Orkney said last week other children and staff from the nursery were being screened as a precaution.

During their investigations, health officials identified a third confirmed case of E coli O157 in which symptoms had not shown.

The health board would not comment on whether the third case was also connected with the nursery.

Dr Ken Black, consultant in public health medicine with NHS Orkney, said: “We are continuing to look for the possible source of the infection.”