More than 25 E. Coli
confirmed in Butte
County
By: Kelsey Eidbo
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section:
Online Exclusives
Source of Article: http://media.www.theorion.com/media/storage/paper889/news/2008/10/01/OnlineExclusives/More-Than.25.E.Coli.Confirmed.In.Butte.County-3463073.shtml
Butte County Public Health has confirmed a tri-tip served at a Forest Ranch
Volunteer Fire Department fundraiser as the source of at least 26 cases of E.
coli reported in
Officials are still trying to find out how the meat was contaminated.
Interviews are being held with those who handled the meat to determine the
source, said Dr. Mark Lundberg,
There have not been any cases reported on campus, said Catherine Felix,
director of Student Health Service. However, that does not represent students
that may have gone to other doctors.
Symptoms of E. coli include stomach cramps and diarrhea. The disease can lead
to a potentially fatal complication, hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS, which
can cause kidney failure.
The period between exposure and the first symptoms tends to be three to four
days after exposure but could be anywhere from one to ten days. HUS usually
develops about seven days after the first symptoms.
Though food preparation is in a stranger's hands at public events such as the
fundraiser, it is important to be as careful as possible in personal kitchens,
Lundberg said.
Lundberg advises students to wash their hands before food preparation, use a
meat thermometer to cook meat adequately and be careful of cross contamination.
Anybody can become very sick from the potentially fatal bacterium. However, the
very young, elderly and those with weak immune systems are at the highest risk.
Butte County Public Health advises anyone who attended the event and became
sick to seek immediate medical attention. Those who work with high risk people
or food should stop working and call the Butte County Public Health Department
at 891-2732 to receive clearance to return to work.
An outbreak has not been reported on campus. Felix warns students against
getting too worried over what could just be typical fall illness.
"There are a lot of kids right now with flu-like symptoms with the
changing weather" Felix said. "But don't jump to conclusions. Just
come visit the
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