BBC News reports the type of E. coli linked to a restaurant in north Belfast this month is a different strain than four cases reported there in August.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) said there are now 29 confirmed cases and 202 probable cases.

Fifteen people have been hospitalised since the start of this month’s food poisoning outbreak at Flicks restaurant in the Cityside complex.

The PHA confirmed that the type of E. coli O157 in cases in October is different from the type found in August cases associated with the same restaurant.

It said the four cases in August which were linked to this restaurant were investigated thoroughly at the time and all tests on the restaurant were negative.

Further environmental health inspections were conducted, it added, all of which were satisfactory, and enhanced surveillance to monitor for cases was also put in place.

It said the current cases came to light through that enhanced monitoring.

If that’s the case, how many cases of foodborne illness, everywhere, would be detected with enhanced surveillance?