E. coli bacteria (Photo: Janice Carr, AP)

An epidemic of E. Coli reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Thursday sickened 72 people in an area of ​​five states. Kentucky has the highest total of all infected states.

No deaths have been reported, but eight people have been hospitalized, including at least six from Kentucky.

Thirty-six people in total were infected in Kentucky, the CDC reports. At least five people have been infected in Ohio.

The source of the outbreak is unclear and the CDC does not recommend people to avoid certain foods right now.

On March 29, the Kentucky Department of Public Health stated that "food distribution is the likely mechanism of this outbreak."

In addition, "cases involve a number of children and adults" in the state.

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Symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhea and bloody diarrhea, occur about two to eight days after exposure to the germ.

To avoid exposure, the CDC recommends:

  • Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers and before and after preparing or eating.
  • Cook meat thoroughly to eliminate harmful germs. Cook steaks and roasts at least 145 degrees and let stand for 3 minutes after removing meat from grill or oven.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables before eating, unless the packaging indicates that the contents have been washed.
  • Refrain from preparing food or drinks for others when you are sick.

Other states with sick people from E. Coli are: Tennessee with 21; Georgia with eight; and Virginia with two, according to the CDC.

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