Epidemic of E. Coli affecting 5 states, including Kentucky and Ohio



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HUNTINGTON, West Virginia (WSAZ) – Health officials are investigating the origin of an outbreak of E. Coli in five states.

The circulating strain is O103.

Eight people were hospitalized and 72 cases were reported in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

Of the 72 cases, 36 are in Kentucky. Five of the cases are in Ohio. No deaths have been reported.

The diseases began in early March, according to the CDC.

A specific food, grocery store or restaurant chain has not yet been associated with the outbreak. Thus, the CDC does not recommend any food products to avoid at the moment.

The toxin-producing germ usually falls sick two to eight days after swallowing E. coli.

To prevent contagion, the CDC recommends that people wash their hands, cook the meat thoroughly, avoid cross-contamination of food preparation areas, wash fruits and vegetables, and then clean them. avoid dairy products and unpasteurized juices and do not prepare food for others.

Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting, some people with low fever.

A life-threatening complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome can occur in 5 to 10% of E cases. Coli and develop a week after the onset of symptoms.

People with this complication should be hospitalized. Signs that this complication has developed include loss of cheek color, lower urination frequency, and extreme fatigue.

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