Press releaseEnglish
For immediate release: May 13, 2021 (21-121-Spanish)
Press Contacts: Kristen Maki, Communications, 360-545-2944
Teresa McCallion, Communications, 360-701-7991
Public health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli in various counties
OLYMPIA. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is working with local health jurisdictions to respond to an outbreak of E. coli O157: H7 in multiple counties that could be related to fresh food.
Currently, the outbreak includes six confirmed cases in Benton (1), King (3), Snohomish (1) and Walla Walla (1) counties. DOH is only reporting cases infected with bacteria that are genetically related, but local health officials may report higher numbers in their counties, which include cases that are still being investigated.
Cases in the outbreak include one person between 0 and 9 years old, two between 10 and 19 years old, one between 20 and 29 years old, one between 30 and 39 years old and one between 70 and 79 years old. Three of the affected people had to be hospitalized, and one had hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a serious complication of infection by E. coli O157: H7 which can damage the kidneys and other organs. The first case of the outbreak began to have symptoms on March 9, and the most recent case, on April 21.
DOH is coordinating with local health jurisdictions to identify cases related to the outbreak using genetic testing of the bacteria and investigating possible causes. In this type of investigation, public health personnel interview affected people, find common ground, and work with local and federal partners to track down foods that could have caused the disease. Sometimes these investigations can find a definitive source of contamination or exposure, but it is not always possible to determine the cause. DOH will provide more information on the outbreak as it becomes available.
The E. coli (English only) is a bacterium that normally lives in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, some can cause illness through the production of a toxin called “Shiga.” Symptoms of
an infection by E. coli They include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and traces of blood in the stool. Usually there is no fever.
“This outbreak is a reminder of the importance of food safety from farm to table, especially fresh food. We can all help reduce infections by E. coli O157: H7 by washing our hands properly, scrubbing fresh food before eating, cooking food thoroughly, and choosing pasteurized milk products, ”said Acting State Health Officer Scott Lindquist. “Infections by E. coli O157: H7 can cause serious complications, so you should contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice symptoms, especially if you have bloody diarrhea.
Here’s what you can do to prevent an infection by E. coli:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after using the bathroom, changing a baby’s diaper, handling raw food, or handling farm animals.
- Don’t eat raw or undercooked beef, hamburgers, or other ground meat products. Cook all beef to 160 ° F (71 ° C).
- Keep ready-to-eat foods, such as raw vegetables, away from raw meat.
- Rinse fresh food under running water before cutting or eating it. Scrub the surface of these foods as much as possible.
- Drink only pasteurized milk and fruit juices.
–
