There are now six confirmed cases of E coli in the Tri-States, and a source might have been discovered among the ones in Southeast Iowa.

According to the Burlington Hawkeye, late last week, the Des Moines County and Lee County Health Departments each confirmed another infection.

That puts the E coli case count at three in Lee County, two in Des Moines County, and one in Hancock County.

Yesterday, the Hancock County Health Department released a statement saying their case was unrelated to the recent Iowa infections. The Hawkeye reports that sources close to the Iowa cases believe that unpasteurized apple cider caused children to become sick.

However, no businesses or facilities have been asked to shut down in connection to the cases.

It is not uncommon for ground apples to be used for making cider, but people often forget that cows often visit such areas first.  Also the Iowa Department of Public Health put out a press release Tuesday warning people to take caution when drinking unpastuerized apple cider.

The story of one of the victims, 7-year-old TiAhnna Bryant, can be found here.