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Pathogenic multi-resistant E. coli bacterium on blood agar (Getty Image)
A multi-state epidemic of E. Coli has raised concerns and questions: Up to Thursday, 72 people in five states have fallen ill, but the cause of their infection remains unknown, reported Friday the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of this bacterial infection, which usually begin about three to four days after the bacteria has been consumed, may include watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
Eight people involved in the mysterious outbreak were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. People started falling ill on March 2 and patients aged 1 to 74 years old. Additional diseases related to this outbreak could still be reported, said the CDC.
States reporting sick patients are Georgia (8 patients), Kentucky (36), Ohio (5), Tennessee (21) and Virginia (2).
Government scientists have not identified food products, grocery stores or restaurant chains as sources of these infections. The CDC, state health departments, the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, and the United States Food and Drug Administration are investigating the outbreak.
You do not need to avoid a particular food, the CDC said, and grocery stores, retailers and restaurants do not need to avoid serving or selling a particular food in particular.
Anyone affected by an E. coli infection should talk to their health care provider. It is important to note everything you have eaten in the week before you develop symptoms. A health professional can diagnose and advise you, especially by washing your hands, to avoid passing it on to other people.
E. coli is a family of diverse bacteria found in the environment, in food and in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains are harmless. To avoid getting infected with a harmful strain, the CDC recommends that proper hygiene measures be taken; cooking meat at appropriate temperatures; avoid raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products and juices; and do not swallow water while swimming.
Most people infected with the bacteria get better within five to seven days. Antibiotics are not recommended in patients suspected of being infected with E. coli until the test has been performed.
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