Elk
droppings likely source of kids' E. coli
By Ann
Schrader Article Last Updated: 11/07/2008 11:10:10 PM MST
Elk droppings in the Evergreen area contain the same strain of E. coli
bacteria that sickened eight children in three mountain counties, state
health officials reported Friday. State lab testing confirmed the match of the bacteria. Health officials
suspected elk droppings as a potential source of the exposure. "Today's lab results tell us it is very likely the children acquired
the E. coli infection" from the droppings, said Alicia Cronquist, state health epidemiologist. It's not known how the elk were infected. "This is a highly unusual situation, and public health officials are
continuing to investigate how the elk in the area may have been
exposed," said Gayle Miller, senior epidemiologist with the Jefferson
County Department of Health and Environment. Miller said people need to take precautions such as thoroughly washing
hands with soap and water after playing outdoors, and before touching food or
eating. Miller said most of the sickened children were exposed to the elk
droppings during outdoor recreation at local athletic fields, parks and
homes. The investigation into the outbreak will continue, including phone surveys
of some Evergreen-area residents. School and parks and recreation officials
have been notified of the results. Cases began appearing in July, with the last reported Oct. 22. The children, ages 4 to 12, do not attend the same school, though all live
in or have visited the Evergreen area. Six children live in Two of the children were hospitalized with E. coli complications. They
have been released and are at home, health officials said. The bacteria strain — 0157:H7 — has been linked to undercooked hamburger
contaminated with cattle feces and to contaminated fruits and vegetables. E. coli 0157:H7 can cause bloody diarrhea and intense abdominal cramps,
with children and elderly people being vulnerable to complications. |
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