Iwaspoisoned.com was noted as a primary source by WATE 6 and KNOX news in identifying a recent E. coli outbreak in Gatlinburg, TN, which caused at least 550 illnesses among visitors who drank well water at the CLIMB Works Zip Line Canopy Tour.
Over the weekend of July 6-8, we received 5 independent reports, citing 11 total sick, as families and friends began reporting illness after visiting CLIMB Works. Gathered, these reports indicated patterns of a possible food poisoning outbreak around specific dates, at a very specific location.
After identifying the initial cluster of reports through our own surveillance tools, we were able to find additional corroborating reports on other social media platforms, providing further evidence of illness relating to CLIMB Works.
WATE 6 On Your Side reported that local testing by the Tennessee Department of Health confirmed E.coli in the zipline attraction's well water, which led to gastrointestinal illness among visitors and employees. The company closed its doors on July 8 for a thorough sanitization, and has since re-opened, taking steps to prevent a future outbreak by using bottled water and adding more filtration to the well water.
The Tennessee Department of Health led an investigation to confirm that E. coli bacteria was the cause of at least 550 sick people at a Gatlinburg, TN, zipline attraction in June and July.
In the past, consumers often faced a gap in knowing whether others became ill from eating or drinking at the same establishment. We believe that by encouraging reporting, friends and families can actively help protect communities from foodborne illness.
KNOX news reported that the Health Department said, "CLIMB Works Zipline Canopy Tour has fully cooperated with public health officials and has taken appropriate steps to remediate immediate health concerns.”
Live data from the begining of the year until today (2018-07-27) for the state of Tennessee.
| City | Reports |
|---|---|
| Nashville | 92 |
| Knoxville | 51 |
| Memphis | 49 |
| Chattanooga | 27 |
| Clarksville | 21 |
| Gatlinburg | 16 |
| Johnson City | 14 |
| Franklin | 13 |
| Murfreesboro | 12 |
| Smyrna | 11 |
Source: iwaspoisoned.com
