Scotland hit by new food poisoning outbreak
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Medical and environmental health experts investigating the cause of Scotland's latest outbreak of E. coli 0157 were due to meet today to try to pinpoint the source of the illness.
Five people in the Borders area have been confirmed as having the bacteria, although only one is in hospital. Sheena Porteous, from Hawick, in her 60s, is said to be in a satisfactory condition. Two of the five cases appear to be unrelated but the other three, including Mrs Porteous, had attended a Burns Supper in the village of Roberton on 7 February. The two further victims are members of the same family from the Kelso area. Borders Health Board said around 100 people who attended the gathering had now come forward to be tested for the bacteria. A spokesman added that compared to the outbreak in central Scotland, which claimed the lives of 18 pensioners, and a recent outbreak in Arbroath, Tayside, which claimed two lives, the latest situation was "relatively minor".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments