E- Coli found in NC. Could be connected to The Fair

Thank to hotclay from the Clayboard:

I think if we were affected we would know it by now. But I thought this was worth posting.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- At least 24 people, most of them children, have been infected with E. coli bacteria, and the outbreak might be connected to a petting zoo at last month's state fair, authorities said.

At least three of those stricken have developed a severe complication known as hemolytic-uremic syndrome, in which the number of blood platelets suddenly drops, red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys shut down The syndrome can be life-threatening or cause permanent kidney damage.

The number of confirmed cases of E. coli infections rose to 24, and 14 more cases are suspected, officials at the state Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday.

Health officials are awaiting genetic tests on some of the bacteria to see whether the cases are related. So far, the most common link among victims is that some visited the petting zoo exhibit.

Of the 38 cases being examined, at least 15 have some link to the state fair, officials said. At least seven people said they did not go to the fair, and investigators were awaiting information from others.

"If it does turn out to be a petting zoo, there are thousands of people who were exposed, and they are widespread," said Dr. Jeffrey Engel, state epidemiologist. "People came to visit from other states."

The highly contagious E. coli bacterium commonly lives in animals. It can pass to humans who eat contaminated meat or contact animals, manure or contaminated surfaces.

Hand-washing is the most effective means of avoiding infection. The fair exhibit had hand-washing stations.