A MAN who had to go into hospital after contracting hepatitis A from a cream cake has told how the disease ravaged his body in a matter of days.

Craig Stewart is one of 42 people known to have contracted the illness following an outbreak linked to a baker’s in North Lanarkshire.

The apprentice engineer and other victims have now launched legal action against JB Christie bakery in Airdrie, which is believed to be the source of the infection.

Mr Stewart, 20, who also suffers from diabetes, first became ill with flu-like symptoms but was admitted to hospital after suffering severe nausea and abdominal cramps.

At first doctors did not know what he was suffering from and became deeply concerned after tests revealed problems with his liver.

He was later taken to an isolation ward after it was confirmed he was suffering from hepatitis A, where visitors had to wear special protective clothing when they came to see him.

He said: “I was constantly being sick and couldn’t keep food or water down. It just got worse and worse and by the time I got to hospital they had to put cold water on my chest because I was physically burning up. I’ve never felt anything like that before.

“Because I suffer from diabetes my immune system isn’t exactly 100 per cent, so that was an added worry.”

When the diagnosis of hepatitis A was made it came as a bolt from the blue. Mr Stewart said he had no idea it could be contracted from food.

He said: “I had heard shocking things about Hepatitis C, but had never even heard of Hepatitis A. I had eaten a domino cream cake from that baker’s, and that’s the most likely source.

“If it was something connected to diabetes I could have handled it better, but I was just lying there worried sick.”

His mother is urging anyone in the area to contact their doctor if they feel unwell, and expressed concern about the spread of the infection.

Mrs Margaret Stewart, an auxilliary nurse, said: “Craig is a fit, young boy but he went rapidly downhill. We thought it was just the flu, but he couldn’t shake it and got worse and worse.

“It was horrible seeing my son so unwell. He got so bad we had to rush him to the hospital and he has now been admitted to hospital on two occasions.

“People who have eaten something from the bakery and now feel ill need to make sure they are not spreading the infection to their family and friends. Anyone who becomes unwell needs to make sure they see a doctor as soon as possible.”

Lawyer for the victims, Laura McGee of NewLaw Scotland, said: “Public Health has forecast the number of secondary victims of this outbreak will rise in the coming days. It is entirely understandable people are concerned about this outbreak. I would urge all victims to seek legal advice to find out their rights.”

JB Christie has since been found to be clear of the infection after shutting for two days to carry out intensive cleaning and dispose of stock.