Organic products have been tentatively determined to be behind an outbreak of E. Coli O157 that has sickened children in the Seattle-King County area of Washington.
All patients are under 15 years of age and three are under 5 years of age. All seven patients were reported during the time period April 22 to May 1, according to Seattle-King County Public Health.
Six of the children have been so ill that they had to be admitted to hospitals. This includes two children who developed a type of life-threatening kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). They are both on the mend.
“Our investigation is ongoing. We have identified several types of fresh products, mostly organic, in common among most cases, but we still cannot rule out other possibilities, ”the health department reported in its update on the outbreak.
“Public Health is conducting interviews with the cases and their parents / guardians to help identify any common exposures. We are also working with the Washington State Department of Health to complete more testing, help identify potential related cases in other counties, and begin tracking any common products. “
The health department cautions consumers that fresh fruits and vegetables, including organic ones, can sometimes contain germs like E. Coli. Contamination of such foods has been implicated in numerous outbreaks in recent years. The department encourages consumers to rinse fresh produce thoroughly before preparing and consuming it raw.
The researchers are continuing their work on the outbreak and will post updates as new information becomes available.
About E. coli Infections
Anyone who has eaten fresh organic produce and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and inform their doctor of their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose infections, which can mimic other diseases.
Symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person, but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover in five to seven days. Others may develop serious or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a life-threatening complication of kidney failure, known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruising or bleeding, and paleness.
Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injury or death. This condition can occur in people of any age, but is more common in children under the age of five due to their immature immune systems, older adults due to impaired immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients.
People experiencing symptoms of HUS should seek emergency medical attention immediately. People with HUS are likely to be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems, such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurological problems.
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