Ecoli outbreak: number of cases rises to 40

A second petting farm has closed following an E.coli outbreak that left 14 children ill in hospital. The closure of Horton Park Children's Farm, in Epsom, Surrey, over hygiene concerns follows that of sister farm Godstone Farm, also in Surrey. The total number of cases linked to the Godstone Farm outbreak now stands at 40, with four of the children in hospital described as seriously ill. Of the other children, seven are in a stable condition and three are improving. A Health Protection Agency (HPA) spokeswoman said it was not aware of any cases of E.coli O157 linked to Horton Park Children's Farm. The farm agreed to shut voluntarily. The parents of the sickest children have been given an apology by the HPA for delays in closing Godstone Farm. An independent investigation has been commissioned. Justin McCracken, head of the HPA, apologised personally for the handling of the situation.

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ITN | September 17, 2009

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