MALDON MP John Whittingdale has been in contact with medical officials after cases of Group A Streptococcal infection in mid Essex killed 12 people and infected another 32.
Mr Whittingdale said he had been assured the risk to the public is extremely low.
Mr Whittingdale said: “I was obviously very concerned to learn there have been a number of cases resulting in a number of deaths.
“I have been in close touch with Mid Essex CCG about this over the last few weeks and have appreciated their keeping me informed.
“There have been only two cases in my own constituency, both affecting patients receiving care at home.”
The MP said he welcomed the rapid establishment of an incident management team and the measure being put in place to identify the causes and to prevent any further infection.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here