Public Health Wales has confirmed an outbreak of E.coli linked to The Big Tribute Festival, which took place at Lovesgrove Farm in Aberystwyth between August 22 and 24 this year.
A small number of attendees became infected with O26 Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), with officials working to identify the source of the contamination. The investigation involves Public Health Wales, Ceredigion County Council, and Hywel Dda University Health Board.
The outbreak was declared after laboratory tests confirmed the cases were genomically linked. According to Public Health Wales, declaring an outbreak is routine public health practice and can occur with as few as two connected cases.
Wendi Shepherd, deputy director of health protection for Public Health Wales, said: “STEC is an unpleasant infection which usually resolves within 10-14 days. However it can be particularly serious for vulnerable people such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.”
Health officials contacted ticket holders to complete a survey about their festival experience to help trace the infection source. Public Health Wales emphasized there is no ongoing risk to the general public.
Understanding E.coli transmission
STEC infections are frequently transmitted through contaminated food but can also spread through close contact with infected individuals or direct contact with animals and their environments. Cattle are the most important reservoir of STEC in the UK, though the bacteria has been found in deer, rabbits, horses, pigs, and wild birds.
People can become infected through eating contaminated food, contact with infected animals, drinking inadequately treated water, or swimming in contaminated water sources. The infection is highly contagious as very few bacteria are needed to cause illness.
Symptoms and health advice
- Diarrhoea, with approximately 50% of cases involving bloody diarrhoea
- Severe stomach cramps
- Fever
Symptoms typically last up to two weeks in uncomplicated cases. A small proportion of patients, mainly children, may develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition resulting in kidney failure. Adults may develop a similar condition called thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP).
Ms Shepherd advised: “I would advise anyone who has bloody diarrhoea or severe stomach cramps to seek medical attention. If you are affected you should take care to wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially before preparing food or eating and after toileting.”
Those experiencing symptoms should avoid contact with others and refrain from preparing food. Individuals should not return to work, school, or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
About the festival
The Big Tribute Festival bills itself as the biggest festival in Wales. The August event featured tribute acts to major artists including Oasis, Abba, and Queen. Adult weekend tickets cost £110, with day passes priced at £50.
Public Health Wales confirmed a full report into the outbreak will be published in due course. The investigation continues to explore all potential sources of contamination.
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