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News
E. coli Cases
Increase in Eastern Iowa
Posted 4 November 2008
Since late September, 29 cases of
E.coli O157:H7 and related strains have been reported to Iowa
Department of Public Health. This compares to an average of 18.4 cases
during the same time period over the last five years. Of the 29 cases,
22 involve children ages 12 years and younger. Several of these
children have been admitted to the hospital and a few have experienced
significant kidney damage as a result of their E.coli infection.
All E. coli cases are investigated to determine if there are
contaminated food items on the market, or if particular risks exist in
a community, such as poorly-chlorinated kiddies' pools. Action is taken
by public health officials if there is even a suspicion of increased
risk.
The recent E.coli cases investigated by IDPH include a small cluster of
cases in eastern Iowa. Several things associated with the cases
increased the risk of E. coli exposure, such as drinking unpasteurized
apple cider, eating fresh, unwashed apples, and eating ground beef.
"With the exception of the eastern Iowa cluster, all the other cases
have been reported across the state and have no common exposures," said
IDPH medical director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. "Thus it is important for
everyone to be aware of how E.coli exposure can occur, and what each
person can do to reduce their risk of becoming ill."
Potential sources of E.coli contamination include drinking raw,
unpasteurized juice or milk; contact with farm animals either in a farm
setting or petting zoo; consumption of under-cooked ground meats or of
foods contaminated by raw meat juices; and consumption of raw, unwashed
produce. E.coli can also be transmitted from an ill person to a healthy
person, which is why hand washing is very important.
E.coli O157:H7 and related strains are bacteria. The main symptom of
E.coli O157:H7 and similar infections is diarrhea, which may be bloody.
Stomach cramps and chills may also occur. Fever is rarely reported.
Anyone with symptoms of E.coli O157:H7 should consult with his or her
health care provider immediately. Approximately 8 percent of cases will
develop complications involving the kidneys, especially young children.
The infection may also cause a person's blood clotting systems to
malfunction.
E.coli infections can be prevented:
Make sure fresh juice or milk has been pasteurized. Even small samples
can make a person sick.
People with diarrhea should not prepare or touch food meant for others.
Wash hands with soap and water after using the restroom. If soap and
water are not available, use an alcohol based hand gel to clean hands.
When caring for someone with diarrhea, wash your hands after giving any
care, and ensure that the ill person's hands are frequently washed,
too.
Cook all ground meats like hamburger thoroughly - to a temperature of
155 F for at least 15-16 seconds, or until juices run clear and no pink
is visible.
Always wash fresh vegetables or fruits thoroughly before eating.
IDPH recommends parents and caregivers become aware of the possible
exposures for E.coli, and take actions to reduce their own and their
children's risk of exposure. For more information about E.coli, visit
this website.
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