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An epidemic of E. Coli in several states has been reported by the CDC. The outbreak began on March 2 and affected five US states. ( CDC )
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is currently investigating Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections in several states. No deaths have been reported yet.
The cause of the ongoing epidemic is still unknown to the CDC. To date, more than 72 people have been infected since the beginning of the epidemic on March 2. Kentucky has the highest number of cases with more than 36 patients, while Tennessee is second with 21. Georgia, Ohio and Virginia have also been affected by the epidemic.
No guilt yet
With 72 people affected, the CDC still grabs what caused the outbreak of E. Coli. For this reason, other government agencies have partnered to badist in the investigation, including the The US Food and Drug Administration and the Inspection and Food Safety Department of the United States Department of Agriculture.
It is no secret that these 72 people all share a common source of infection. This is why the authorities fear that they have not yet identified the main cause.
"Given the size and number of states involved, what you see is very unusual," said Bill Marler, a Seattle food safety lawyer..
"If there were five or ten people, it's a bit harder to understand, but when there are 72 people and they're being interviewed by epidemiologists, it's pretty unusual that you do not have a culprit. "
The O103 strain
The type of strain of E. Coli responsible for the outbreak called O103 and, according to Marler, only 18 other reported cases of infection have been reported in the United States since 2000. The largest outbreak of O103 infection that would have occurred would have been in Minnesota in 2010 with 29 people affected, making this year's epidemic the most serious of history.
E. coli is most often found in contaminated water and food and can also be transmitted through contact with people or animals. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The person who came in contact with the bacteria will usually experience these symptoms within four days of infection.
Control of the epidemic
Until the problem is solved, the CDC urges everyone to pay more attention to what they eat or drink, to wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them and to cook their food thoroughly. If this can be avoided, reduce the consumption of raw or unpasteurized dairy products and juices.
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