Two twin boys have suffered acute kidney failure after contracting E.coli at Godstone Children’s Farm, Surrey.

The first case of E.coli at the children’s farm was reported on 27 August, but since then the bug has spread, with thirty-six visitors now suffering from the illness.

E.coli poses a particular risk to children, 12 of whom are being treated after visiting the farm. Tracy Mock, mother of twin boys and a daughter, who has also become ill, is waiting to hear if her sons’ kidney failure will cause long-term damage.

“Incredibly angry”

“I’m just so incredibly angry,” said Ms Mock, “and I’m extremely worried,” (BBC News, 2009).

Twins Todd and Aaron are having dialysis treatment for the bug, and one has had to have a blood transfusion. Investigators are still probing the farm, which closed its gates last week, for a source of the outbreak.

Parents of children whose kidneys have failed due to the bug face a year’s wait to see if the effects will be lasting. Many feel that they were under-informed about the risk of visiting the farm.

Hand-washing emphasised

However, some parents have defended the farm, criticising “sensationalised” media coverage of the outbreak, one of the largest the UK has ever seen (BBC News, 2009).

“Farm animals carry E.coli and if parents fail to ensure that their children utilise the ample hand-washing facilities available then these outbreaks are likely to happen,” said one parent in defence of Godstone farm, who released a statement about their management of the outbreak earlier this week (BBC News, 2009)