December 2004

E. coli Case Update
This is the executive summary of a pending report by the NC Division of Public Health regarding this outbreak. The full report will be available in January 2005.
An outbreak of enterohemorrhagic (bloody diarrhea) illnesses caused by E. coli O157:H7 associated with visits to the North Carolina State Fair occurred in North Carolina during October and November, 2004. After receiving reports of hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS, a severe complication of E. coli O157:H7 disease, among State Fair visitors in late October, the North Carolina Division of Public Health recognized the potential for a large outbreak with potentially hundreds of thousands of fair visitors exposed. We gathered resources from within state government as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the outbreak. The Public Health Command Center was opened for command, control and communications management of a statewide outbreak. Early goals included rapidly collecting reports of patients to gauge the size of the outbreak, and identifying common links between patients.Continue Reading NC State Fair E. coli Outbreak

As published in Food Protection Report, December 2004 Vol. 20 No. 12:
“I think counties and states may have to reassess whether it is worth having fairs, petting zoos, and other events that bring people in close contact with animals,” suggests prominent food litigation lawyer William Marler of the Seattle law firm Marler Clark. “I know it sounds un-American, but we are now having outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 linked to these events almost on a yearly basis,” Marler told Food Protection Report.
Infections picked up at events where people and animals mingle can spread throughout the community. Since 1998, at least seven E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks have been traced to fairs. The most recent outbreak occurred in North Carolina, where an investigation is ongoing.
Although the specifics of each E. coli outbreak at fairs differ, Marler says, they all have a common denominator and the pathogen lurks in ways that were not seen decades ago. A 2003 study by USDA found E. coli O157:H7 was not only commonly present at fairs but that levels of the bacteria were similar to those found in commercially reared livestock, which surprised researchers.Continue Reading Are Fairs, Petting Zoos Just Too Dangerous?

The Daily Ardmoreite reminds us today that hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the transmission of disease, especially during influenza season. Oklahoma public health officials are using National Hand Washing Awareness Week, Dec. 5-11, as an opportunity to remind people about this simple and inexpensive disease prevention technique.
“Hand washing helps…

Regarding the recent outbreak of E. coli across the state, the blame now apparently rests squarely on the shoulders of departing Commissioner Britt Cobb and the Department of Agriculture under his watch. Mr. Cobb and the state agency he oversaw are charged with “… controlling and eliminating animal diseases and ensuring general animal health.” This according to the department’s own web site.
The E. coli outbreak at the N.C. State Fair last month which infected over 100 fair goers, half of them children, illustrates the unreserved lack of attention and prioritization by the former commissioner’s Veterinary Division and exposes serious flaws in judgment and oversight at the very event which is expected to showcase the Agriculture Department’s best side. But alas, Mr. Cobb’s apparent lack of experience failed those who have entrusted him with ensuring their health and safety.Continue Reading Setting Blame For E. coil Outbreak

Mendon Meadows Marketplace recalled all ground beef products, including veal, and fresh ground beef patties, that were purchased between November 7 and November 14, 2004 due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7. Two E. coli O157:H7 infections have been reported in Western New York, and Monroe County and New York State health officials, as well as USDA officials, are investigating whether the possible E. coli outbreak may be linked to the recalled products.
Illness caused by E. coli O157:H7 bacteria causes fever, as well as severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Between five and ten percent of people with E. coli infections develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) or Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), complications of E. coli infection that can lead to renal failure and central nervous system impairment.Continue Reading Monroe County Marketplace possibly linked to E. coli outbreak