A SIX-year-old girl from Bury is still recovering in hospital after contracting the potentially deadly bug E.Coli.

The youngster became infected with the disease after visiting Foel Farm in Anglesey, North Wales.

The youngster, who did not return to school after the visit, is said to be in a comfortable condition and improving at Manchester Royal Children's Hospital, Pendlebury.

North Wales Health Authority confirmed yesterday that the pupil from Emmanuel Holcombe CE School is one of eight children who were infected after visiting the popular tourist attraction. They are also investigating 13 unconfirmed cases.

The latest outbreak is similar to the strain that killed 19 people in Lanarkshire in 1996.

Health bosses at Bury and Rochdale Authority believe the child became infected after touching the animals.

Now they are warning parents to be vigilant when taking their children to farms and asking GPs and parents to be aware of the symptoms which include diarrhoea, sever abdominal cramps, vomiting and fever.

Bury health bosses confirmed that letters had been sent to all parents of children at he school informing them of the situation and what signs and symptoms to look out for.

Dr Leroy Benons, health authority locum consultant in communicable diseases, said: "We are working with the relevant agencies to manage this case. Parents should remember to take extra care when children come into contact with farmyard animals."

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