E. coli O157:H7 (STEC) outbreak in King County, WA - Unknown source

Washington, United States

####Update August 29, 2022

As of August 29, 2022, a total of 7 people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and 1 probable case have been reported in King County. 6 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Currently, all of the cases are among people from East African communities. All but one of the cases had illness onsets from June 20-August 17, 2022. One additional person was identified by WGS with an onset in December 2021. All people have recovered, or are currently recovering. The investigation into the source of these infections is still ongoing.

Source: Seattle & King County Public Health

August 23, 2022

Seattle & King County Public Health announced that they are investigating a new outbreak of 7 people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in King County. Currently, all 7 of the ill people are from East African communities. 6 of the 7 people had illness onsets from June 20-August 1, 2022. 1 additional person was identified by WGS with an onset in December 2021. 4 people have been hospitalized; this includes 3 children who developed a type of kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). 6 people have recovered, and 1 is currently recovering.

Most of the ill people have reported eating multiple types of meat, including goat and ground beef, during their exposure period but the Public Health cannot rule out other possible sources at this time. Genetic fingerprinting results (whole genome sequencing) indicate that all 7 ill people have the same genetic strain meaning they likely have a common source of infection. At this time, this outbreak does not appear to be related to a multistate outbreak initially found in at least 4 different states CDC reported. The investigation is ongoing.

Raw meats like ground beef, goat, and lamb sometimes have germs like STEC, and have been associated with outbreaks in the past. Public Health advises following these 4 food safety steps to prevent getting sick from STEC.
- Clean: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often. Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or peeling.
- Separate: Keep food that won't be cooked separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
- Cook: Use a food thermometer to make sure you have cooked your food to a temperature high enough to kill germs.
- Chill: Refrigerate perishable food (food that goes bad) within 2 hours. If the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F (like a hot car or picnic), refrigerate within 1 hour. Thaw food in the refrigerator, not on the counter.

Source: kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/outbreak/unknown-source-august-2022.aspx | Symptoms: Diarrhea, Nausea, Cramps, Bloody Stool