Outbreak of E. coli O157 May be Associated
with Exposure to Elk Droppings
Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 - DENVER - The
Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment and
the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are
investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157 infections among
children in the Evergreen mountain area. Today, the state
laboratory reported that specimens obtained from elk
droppings in the Evergreen area have tested positive for the
same strain of E. coli O157 bacteria that was identified in
the children.
Eight illnesses have been identified among
children aged 4-12 years. Of the eight cases, six are
children in Jefferson County, one in Clear Creek County and
one in Park County. Illness among the children has occurred
sporadically throughout the summer and early fall, beginning
in July and most recently in late October.
“Today’s lab results tell us it is very
likely the children acquired the E. coli infection from
exposure to elk droppings in the environment,” said Alicia
Cronquist, epidemiologist at the state health department.
“This is a highly unusual situation, and
public health officials are continuing to investigate how
the elk in the area may have been exposed. We want to
caution the public to take precautions by maintaining good
hygiene,” said Gayle L. Miller, senior epidemiologist with
the Jefferson County Department of Health & Environment.
Most of the ill children had exposure to elk
droppings during outdoor recreation, at local fields, parks
or around their homes. While playing outside is good
exercise, there are a few simple things people can do
following outdoor activities to prevent E. coli O157
infections.
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Wash hands thoroughly (preferably with
soap and water) after outdoor or recreational time and
especially before touching and consuming food. Parents
should make sure children do this as well.
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In outdoor and sports settings, parents
and organizers should thoroughly cleanse items that may
come in contact with children’s mouths (water bottles,
food and mouth guards) before use. Also, take steps to
be certain hands are clean before handling or using such
items.
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Parents and team staff should ensure
that children remove excessive surface grime from hands,
preferably with a soap-and-water scrub or hand
sanitizers, prior to eating during or after sports
games.
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Residents of mountain communities
heavily populated by deer and elk should clean shoes and
boots prior to entering their homes and wash hands
thoroughly after doing so.
E. coli 0157 can cause bloody diarrhea and
intense abdominal cramps. Some cases may develop into
hemolytic uremic syndrome, which usually requires
hospitalization. Children and the elderly are especially
vulnerable. People who develop severe diarrhea, abdominal
cramping and/or blood in their stool should seek medical
attention. Parents are advised to refrain from using
medications to treat diarrhea, prior to speaking with a
physician, as in some cases this may be problematic.
The E. coli outbreak investigation is
continuing. Local public school and parks and recreation
authorities have been informed. The epidemiological
investigation will include phone surveys of some residents
in the Evergreen area.
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