Boulder County Public Health Communications Office 303-441-1457
Officials investigating E. coli outbreak
October 9, 2008 - Boulder County
Public Health is investigating an outbreak of E. coli cases
in Boulder County. There are currently 17 outbreak-related
cases, although the source of the outbreak has not yet been
determined. The primary symptoms of E. coli
are bloody diarrhea and severe stomach cramping. Though
illness from E. coli is typically mild, in rare cases the
strain can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which results
in acute kidney failure. Infected people
will pass this bacterium in their stool. They can spread the
illness by failing to thoroughly wash their hands after
using the restroom, and then contaminating food or other
objects. To avoid contamination and
spreading disease, it is recommended that people wash their
hands thoroughly after handling or preparing raw meats and
clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that have come into
contact with raw meats or their juices. Ensure that meats
are cooked thoroughly, and do not consume raw milk products
and unpasteurized juices. If you are
experiencing any symptoms of E. coli, please contact your
health care provider as soon as possible, or call Boulder
County Public Health at 303-413-7500.
E. Coli fact sheet. |
