National E. coli researchers believe E. coli strains have mutated, making it stronger and multiplying the risk of infection.
Dr. Justin Denny of the Clark County Health Department says that the strain of E. coli that sickened 18 people that drank raw milk from Dee Creek Farm is likely a stronger and deadlier version of the bacteria than even 25 years ago.
Health officials also have found no new cases of E. coli among the dairy’s customers and believe the cycle should be just about complete, but are warning people about the possibility of secondary infection.
Secondary infections can happen when an infected person passes the infection to a family member because of bad hygiene practices. It can be prevented by simply washing hands thoroughly and repetitively.