Four children have been diagnosed with Shiga-toxin producing E coli following a visit to the San Diego County Fair during the month of June.
A young child has died after contracting Shiga-toxin producing E coli after coming into contact with animals at a petting zoo while attending the San Diego County Fair. The young boy, who was 2 years-old, was hospitalized for his illness and later died on June 24, 2019, from a complication of the disease.
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) issued a
HHSA is working alongside the County Department of Environmental Health to investigate the cluster of infections. As part of the epidemiological investigation the health officials inspected food facilities that the children visited at the fair but did not find any link to the E coli cluster.
The
“While most people recover from this illness without complications, 5 to 10% of people diagnosed with [Shiga-toxin producing E coli] develop the life-threatening kidney infection,” Wilma J. Wooten, MD, MPH, San Diego County public health officer said in the press release.
Symptoms of Shiga-toxin producing E coli typically develop 3-4 days following exposure to the pathogen. The symptoms can vary from person-to-person but typically include severe abdominal craps, watery or bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
HHSA reminds the public that the most important step to preventing an E coli infection is to practice good handwashing hygiene. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly following contact with animals or their environments, including farms, petting zoos, fairs, or your backyard. Young children, older individuals, and individuals with weakened immune systems should be mindful to always wash their hands prior to eating or drinking.
Contagion® will continue to provide updates on this cluster as information is made available.
