The Journal Gazette reports that in 2003 and 2004, there were only two cases of E.coli infections in Allen County. This year, nine people have been sickened with the bacteria due to an outbreak at a small child-care center.
Health officials would not release the name of the center, nor the name nor age of
Guidelines affect kids’ farm visits
The Fayetteville (NC) Observer reports that before opening Crystal Pines Alpaca Farm to the public, Joe Picariello – who runs the farm — said he visited several petting zoos and took classes that helped him establish guidelines for encouraging healthy interaction between people and animals.
School children visit the farm to see its hundreds of
Rising E. coli cases take toll in Alabama
Birmingham News reports that ShyAnne Bailey has been an intensive care patient at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for more than three weeks. The 4-year-old girl from Chilton County was admitted a few days after eating a hamburger, and has tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 infection.
Doctors have removed most of ShyAnne’s colon and gave
E. coli infection
The E. coli bacterium has hundreds of strains or types. Most are harmless, and a couple of pathogenic E. coli strains cause only uncomfortable yet benign symptoms such as diarrhea. However, E. coli O157:H7 causes far more destructive results.
E. coli O157:H7 inhabits the intestines of healthy cattle, and is therefore present in their feces.
Petting Farm Squeezing By
Old McMicky’s has been a favorite field trip destination for Bay area schools for 14 years, the Tampa Tribune says today. Janice and Earl Rodda provide an interactive farm experience where children can milk cows, ride ponies and feed chickens.
But since the Central Florida E. coli outbreak, where almost 30 people were infected
Children on the Frontline Against E.Coli
Typical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
A thirteen-month old infant presented with classical hemolytic- uremic syndrome (HUS), but with negative cultures for Escherichia coli (E. coli) 0157:H7. HUS is commonly linked to infection with E. coli 0157:H7; however, traditional culture has demonstrated poor sensitivity. Pathogenesis of the organism in HUS involves the production of a Shiga-like toxin (STX), resulting in a triad of symptoms. An early and accurate differential diagnosis, based on patient presentation with acute renal failure, hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia, is critical for supportive treatment and improved prognosis. Patient prognosis is related to the duration of renal failure and dialysis treatment. Research is aimed at improved detection of E. coli 0157:H7 or the STX produced, and future vaccination to eliminate typical HUS.Continue Reading Children on the Frontline Against E.Coli
Divided court rules pair can’t sue over E. coli
The Associated Press reports that in a split decision, Wyoming Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit seeking damages against the town of Alpine for an E. coli outbreak in 1998.
At least 62 people became ill in what health officials said at the time was the country’s largest outbreak of the infection linked to possible contaminated
E-Coli Victim Heading Home At Last
First Coast News reports that Shannon Smowton is finally going home after three weeks of physical therapy at the Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital. It has been a long road for the Smowton family, and Shannon’s Dad is looking forward to the simple things, once they arrive at their Winter Park home Wednesday afternoon.
Shannon was diagnosed
Keeping Kids Safe At Petting Zoos
Parents may wonder if taking their kids to petting zoos might not be a good idea due to the recent E. coli outbreaks in Central Florida, but following a few simple tips can help keep children healthy when playing with animals.
“Animal(s are) contaminated with its own bacteria even when it’s healthy, and many
Milkshakes linked to E. coli illness
A 15-year-old Calgary girl was put on dialysis yesterday after drinking a milkshake at Peters’ Drive-In, a popular Calgary eatery that health officials say is behind an E. coli outbreak. Three other people were admitted to the hospital for the same illness.
The Calgary Health Region reports 13 confirmed cases of the illness, all of