THE number of people infected with the E.Coli virus in an outbreak in the Eccleston area has risen again overnight by four more to ten.

But the number in hospital following the outbreak has dropped to 13, as three were discharged overnight.

Health officials investigating the outbreak in the village, near Chorley, which was first reported at the weekend, believe that although it has now been contained, the numbers of cases may still rise because the virus can be incubated for up to ten days.

The ten patients, who are all said to be "satisfactory", are responding well to treatment and are expected to be discharged in the next few days.

The common link between the cases was the delicatessen counter in Kwik Save's Eccleston supermarket, which was closed as a precaution.

Environmental health officers at Chorley Borough Council said they believed the outlet was responsible for the outbreak.

Simon Clark, the council's principal environmental health officer, said: "We are satisfied that the swift voluntary closure of the outlet will ensure there is no further spread from that source."

The store is still advising customers who have purchased meat or cheese from the counter after November 1 this year to return the products as soon as possible and fruit and vegetables from an adjacent counter.

Public health officials from South Lancashire Health Authority and the environmental health department at Chorley Borough Council is still investigating.

A spokesman from the South Lancashire Health Authority said: "People who are concerned about symptoms of diarrhoea should contact their family doctors or NHS Direct for advice.

"Personal hygiene, including hand washing before and after handling food, using the toilet or changing nappies is crucial in preventing the spread of infection. "

The NHS Direct number is 0845 4647