E. coli outbreak among children in King County - Unknown source

Washington, United States

UPDATE Jun 23, 2021

To date, the outbreak includes 17 confirmed cases, 10 people have been hospitalized and 4 people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths have been reported.

Source: The Washington State Department of Health

UPDATE May 25, 2021

To date, the outbreak includes 15 confirmed cases, 9 people have been hospitalized and 4 people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths have been reported.

Source: The Washington State Department of Health

UPDATE May 15, 2021

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has identified a likely link to PCC Community Market brand yogurt produced by Pure Eire Dairy to multi-county E. coli outbreak. Pure Eire Dairy along with the state Department of Agriculture are working to identify and recall all affected products.

So far, the outbreak includes 11 confirmed cases, including six children under the age of 10, infected with bacteria that have been genetically linked. Counties with cases include Benton (1), King (8), Snohomish (1) and Walla Walla (1). Seven people have been hospitalized and three people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome.

DOH and partner agencies are continuing to test food samples and gather case information in this ongoing investigation.

Source: The Washington State Department of Health

UPDATE May 12, 2021

The investigation is ongoing. The outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that is possibly linked to fresh produce is now a multi-county outbreak, as now there are reported cases from Benton, Snohomish, and Walla Walla counties, apart from the ones from King County. The Washington State Health Department (DOH) is involved in the investigation along with local health jurisdictions.

UPDATE May 7, 2021.

The investigation is ongoing. They have identified multiple types of fresh produce, mostly organic, in common among the majority of cases but cannot yet rule out other possibilities. They are still uncertain if these cases share the same source of their infection or not. Updates will continue to be posted when more information is available.

May 5, 2021

Public Health is investigating a new cluster of seven children infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (also known as STEC) in King County. All cases are currently under 14 years of age, and three are under five years of age. Cases have been reported between April 22–May 1, 2021.

All 7 children developed symptoms consistent with STEC, including diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting. Illness onsets occurred during April 17–29, 2021. Six children have been hospitalized; this includes one child who developed a type of kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and is recovering and a second child who is suspected to have HUS.

The investigation is ongoing, and they have not identified any foods, restaurants, or other sources in common among all cases. It is not yet known whether these cases share the same source or not. Public Health is conducting interviews with cases and their parents/guardians to help identify any common exposures. They are working with the Washington State Department of Health to complete further testing and to help identify possible related cases in other counties.

Public Health advises that if you or your child develops painful or bloody diarrhea, diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days or is accompanied by a high fever or decreased urine, contact your healthcare provider to see if testing for STEC is indicated. Anyone ill with suspected or known STEC should not work in or attend childcare or preschool, or work in food handling or healthcare until cleared by Public Health.

Check the full announcement on: kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/outbreak/unknown-source-may-2021.aspx

Source: Public Health - Seattle & King County