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NC health officials investigating E. coli outbreak

Infection Control Monitor, November 5, 2004

North Carolina health officials urged residents to be vigilant in following prevention measures in the wake of at least 24 people becoming infected with E. coli bacteria. Officials say the outbreak might be connected to a state fair petting zoo.

They warned resident look out for symptoms associated with E. coli, including diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, nausea, and dehydration. Patients may also experience a low-grade fever.

"The best way to reduce the risk of getting E. coli, especially if a friend or family member is sick with the disease, is careful and diligent hand-washing," says Jeffrey Engel, state epidemiologist. "Teachers and school officials will want to make sure they have plenty of soap and paper towels for their students. If teachers notice a student who appears to have any of the symptoms associated with E. coli, they should contact the parents as soon as possible."

E. coli is associated with petting zoos because animals carry the bacteria in their intestines. People pick up E. coli by eating contaminated meat or through contact with manure, animals or contaminated surfaces. A number of the cases identified so far have been in contact with farm animals; however public health disease investigators have not yet determined the exact source or sources of the human cases.

State public health officials are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to alert other states to report E. coli infections.

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