A WATCHDOG has called on Public Health England to “redouble its efforts” in the wake of the latest Dorset E coli outbreak. 

Four cases of the potentially deadly 055 strain of the infection were confirmed in the county last week, bringing the total up to 30 since it was first identified in summer 2014. 

Manager of patient champions Healthwatch Dorset, Martyn Webster, has expressed sympathy for those eager for more information. 

“E coli can be a very serious infection and it must have been a terrible experience for the people, including young children, who have contracted it,” he said. 

“It’s understandable that they are very concerned that the source has still not been traced. Until it has been traced all of us remain potentially at risk. 

“So we call on Public Health England to redouble its efforts to track down the source and to keep the public fully informed. 

“It’s also down to all of us to take notice and follow the advice they have given about how to minimise the risks, particularly by following the guidance about hand and food hygiene.” 

Public Health England is carrying out tests on victims' close family members, as well as pets, but has not identified publicly where the latest outbreak occurred.

The O55 strain of E coli was unheard of in the UK before cases emerged in Dorset last year. It was, however, found abroad. Its effects are similar to the common O157 strain of the E coli pathogen already found in the UK. 

Good hand hygiene is recommended as the best way to avoid infection.