Latest news on the outbreak of E. coli: 26 confirmed cases in Tennessee | New

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The number of confirmed E. coli infections in Tennessee has dropped from 21 to 26, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People who contract E. coli usually get sick two to five days after being infected. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps and severe vomiting, and anyone who suffers from it should consult a doctor.

Dr. John Dunn, deputy state epidemiologist, predicts that there will be more cases. If a common strain of E. Coli – called 0157 – is a known culprit for making people sick, Dunn points out that the strain causing the disease in this outbreak – known as 0103 – is rare.

"These are similar organisms, and we generally think of the same types of exposure," Dunn said. "We think of things like ground beef and leafy vegetables, and other things that have caused outbreaks in the past."

Young children and the elderly or those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of developing complications from E. coli infection. The best ways to prevent it are to wash one's hands regularly, to be vigilant about catering and to choose restaurants that have a good reputation for food safety.

Avoiding milk or unpasteurized juice can also reduce the risk of ingestion of E. coli bacteria. The CDC works with state public health officials to track a particular food product, grocery store, or restaurant that could potentially be at the source of infections.

For public health experts, Dr. Dunn believes that it is very tedious to understand that it takes time because every infected person must be found and interviewed.

"Thus, E. coli is one of the notifiable diseases in Tennessee.So, when a lab or provider receives a report on this particular type of E. coli, it is informed by the state health department, "Dunn said. "And we investigate and follow up with the person who was sick, to talk to them about what they did, what they ate."

Nearly a hundred people in five states – including Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia – were infected with the E103 strain. Coli. Eleven people were hospitalized.