An E.coli outbreak in California has sickened at least four people during the last month, according to the San Luis Obispo Public Health Department. Officials are investigating the source of the illnesses caused by the rare strain E. coli 157.
All the illnesses have been reported since late July. Three were from the North County, the fourth is from elsewhere. Health officials are collecting food histories from patients and stool samples for testing that will determine if the cases are linked. They believe the illnesses are from the same source and testing will confirm that. They are asking health providers with potential cases to contact them.
E.coli can cause serious, sometimes life threatening illness. Symptoms of an infection include diarrhea that can be bloody, nausea and vomiting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.
