CDC investigating ‘fast-moving’ E. coli outbreak that has sickened dozens

(The Hill) — Federal officials are investigating a “fast-moving” E. coli outbreak that was identified in Ohio and Michigan, in which about 30 people were infected with the bacteria from an unknown source.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has so far identified 29 people who have become ill due to E. coli infection. Nine of them have been admitted to the hospital due to their ailments, while no death has been reported. The first infection occurred in late July.

The age of the infected is between 6 and 91.

The CDC said it was using the PulseNet system in its investigation. PulseNet compares the “DNA fingerprint” of bacteria to those of affected patients to identify clusters of disease. Whole genome sequencing has been performed which indicates that the bacteria collected so far from affected patients are closely related.

The CDC acknowledged that the actual number of people affected is likely to be higher, and that there may be more cases in other states.

coli infections in their states. Some of these diseases have not yet been reported to the PulseNet system, but investigators are working rapidly to add them to PulseNet. to determine whether they may have been part of this outbreak,” the CDC said.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection include diarrhea, fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, vomiting when unable to keep fluids down, and signs of dehydration. The CDC has asked people who are experiencing symptoms to keep a record of what they ate in the week before becoming ill to help identify a possible source of infection.

Symptoms usually occur within three to four days after ingesting the E. coli bacteria, and most people recover from their infection in about a week.

Some steps that can help prevent infection include washing your hands, utensils and cooking surfaces; separating raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods that will not be cooked with them; Using a thermometer to ensure that a temperature high enough to kill pathogens has been reached; and refrigerating perishable foods.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said this week that it has received reports of at least 98 cases of E. coli infection this month, nearly 80 more than it reported in August last year. While the laboratory test is still in its early stages, the department said that some cases have been linked to each other.

“Although reports of E. coli disease generally increase during the hot summer months, this significant jump in cases is worrying,” MDHHS chief medical officer Natasha Bagdasarian said in a statement.