Daniel Davies of Western Mail reports that the E.coli outbreak which has hit south Wales almost doubled in size yesterday with the total reported suspected cases reaching 56.
Seven more schools in three counties – Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil and now Caerphilly – reported suspected cases. Now 25 separate schools across the area have been affected.
The National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) has narrowed down the outbreak to the week between September 10 and September 17.
Teachers, pupils and catering staff across the area have been given hygiene advice in an attempt to stop the spread of contamination while investigators interview families, restaurant owners and food suppliers.
An Outbreak Control Team (OCT) has also been established to hunt for its source and claims the investigation is progressing well.
Strict controls have been put in place in an effort to eradicate all potential sources of infection such as the withdrawal of pre-cooked meat from schools in the affected area as well as residential care homes. All schools have now stopped providing uncooked meals.