Holidaymakers pick up E.coli 0157

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Two people from Tayside have been confirmed with the potentially-deadly E.coli 0157 infection.

NHS Tayside said the patients had contracted the bug while on a recent holiday in Turkey.

An outbreak control team has been set up to try to avoid the infection spreading in Scotland.

Public health experts are advising people returning from abroad to see their doctor and stay off work if they are suffering from a stomach bug.

Public health consultant Dr Christopher McGuigan said E.coli 0157 can cause sickness, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain and fever.

He said: "We are advising anyone ill with a suspected tummy bug to stay off work until 48 hours after their symptoms stop and to visit their GP if their symptoms are severe.

"E.coli O157 can spread from person to person."

Dr McGuigan said people could reduce the risk of catching the infection by taking precautions such as washing hands before handling food and eating, and after using the toilet or changing a baby's nappy

He added: "If you are abroad and have any doubts about whether local tap water is safe to drink, it's best to buy bottled water for drinking and cleaning your teeth and to avoid ice cubes.

"If you have doubts about hygiene levels, it's best to avoid ice cream, food that isn't piping hot, or any fruit or vegetables that you can't peel before eating."