An E. coli outbreak has sickened more than 60 people in four states, according to health officials in Kentucky where 44 cases have been confirmed and 20 more are awaiting confirmation. Cases have also been reported in Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio, but specific totals from those states have not yet been released. All four states are working with the Centers for Disease Contol and Prevention (CDC) on the investigation of the outbreak.
E. coli is a kind of bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Some strains are harmless, others can cause severe illness and death. When someone gets an E. coli infection from food, it’s because they ate something that is contaminated with fecal matter. This contamination can happen at the slaughter of the food product that came from an animal, or at any point along the supply chain if an infected food handler didn’t wash their hands properly.
E. coli bacteria under a magnification of 6836x
Dr. Mel Bennett, infectious disease branch manager of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, told WEKU public radio that the potential food sources of the outbreak have been narrowed down to beef, chicken and sliced cheese.
E. coli outbreaks linked to beef products are fairly common. But there have also been E. coli outbreaks linked to the other suspected food products. In 2010, a five-state E.coli outbreak linked to gouda cheese sickened 38 people. In 2015, health officials were unable to determine the specific ingredient in rotisserie chicken salad responsible for a seven-state E. coli outbreak that sickened 19 people.
To contact the Pritzker Hageman E. coli Team for a free evaluation of your case call 1 (888) 377-8900, text 612-261-0856. Or complete the form below. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.