The Health Service Executive is investigating a suspected case of E coli in a baby in Laois.

Sinead Moore of RSVP Live reports the HSE launched an investigation late last week after a potentially serious strain of the bacteria was suspected in the Irish infant.

The strain, called VTEC or verotoxigenic E coli, comes from contact with faeces of healthy farm animals. It can be spread through children’s shared toys or during nappy changing.

The child is understood to have since been diagnosed with the less dangerous E coli bacteria, the Leinster Express reports.

The bacteria can cause vomiting and diahorrea.

As part of the investigation, the creche the baby attends, Sonas Community Childcare Centre in Mountmellick Co Laois was contacted last Friday to raise awareness among staff and parents and to examine if other children attending the creche had any similar symptoms.