[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Four E. coli cases confirmed in Boone County

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Andrea Waner, Public Information Officer
(573)874-7632 or andrea.waner at CoMo.gov


Four E. coli cases confirmed in Boone County

COLUMBIA, MO (September 6, 2016) - The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services has confirmed four cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 , and two probable cases in Boone County preschool and school-aged children.

Public Health officials are reviewing laboratory analyses and conducting case interviews to determine the possible cause(s) of the outbreak. Currently, the source of the infection has not yet been determined.  While most strains of E. coli bacteria are harmless, several are known to produce toxins that can cause mild diarrhea with most confirmed cases developing severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Blood is often seen in the stool. Usually little or no fever is present. If you think you or your family members are sick from E. coli infection, please contact your health care provider.

Residents are encouraged to wash all produce thoroughly with water before eating, cook meat thoroughly, and wash their hands after using the restroom, helping to clean others, or changing diapers, to prevent disease and further spread. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. These alcohol-based products can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and running water.”

The Department of Public Health and Human Services will not provide any specific information regarding the ill persons, or the facilities involved, per the Missouri Code of State Regulations.

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This release has the following attachments:

http://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=1351



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