E. coli is nothing to be trifled with, especially when it involves children. A recent E. coli outbreak in an Indiana day care center has prompted questions as to the health and safety of children in their care.
More than 10 children at the center have tested positive for E. coli, and the parents of
Avoid bite of nasty bugs
Last month, petting zoo animals caused an outbreak of 26 E. coli infections at three central Florida fairs. In North Carolina, more than 100 people, mostly children, were infected by E. coli at the state fair last year.
Two E. coli outbreaks in Pennsylvania and Washington in 2000 led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
Drinking water likely cause of Camp Yamhill disease source
Health officials have identified water contamination as the likely source of the E. coli outbreak that sickened more than 50 people at a Christian camp in Oregon last week.
The investigation, which began last week, involved DHS and 6 county health departments. The Oregon Department of Human Services has confirmed cases of both E.coli O157
Summer season uncages health risks
Q: Our family is going to visit the zoo this summer. Do we need to be concerned about touching the animals?
A: Animals at the zoo or county fairs can carry infectious diseases that cause illness or even death. If hands are not washed after handling animals, bacteria can transfer to food and into the body. Children tend to put their hands in their mouths more than adults, so it is especially important to wash their hands. There have been several outbreaks of illness after handling animals and then consuming food. In 2000, two incidences occurred in Pennsylvania and Washington causing illness due to E.coli infections. Fifty-six children became ill and 19 were hospitalized, all due to direct farm animal contact. Another incident occurred in 2002 at an Oregon county fair. After visiting the sheep and goat exhibits, 82 people became ill. And just this year, more than 20 people became ill after handling animals in Florida petting zoos.Continue Reading Summer season uncages health risks