Dave Palmer, Public Information Officer of District 2 Public Health in Gainesville, Georgia told Food Poisoning Bulletin that there are seven cases of E. coli in Stephens County. People began seeking medical care during the first week of May 2013. Local and state public health officials are investigating these illnesses, but have not determined the cause of the outbreak. There is no word on which type of E. coli bacteria is causing these illnesses.
If any residents have experienced the symptoms of an E. coli infection, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, which may be bloody, mild fever, and vomiting, see your doctor as soon as possible. Contact the public health department if you are diagnosed with E. coli.
The symptoms of E. coli start about seven days after infection. The first sign is usually sudden, severe cramps, with watery diarrhea following a few hours later. Patients can become seriously ill quickly. Some people develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), that can cause kidney failure when infected with certain types of E. coli. It’s important that anyone who is sickened with this bacteria receive medical treatment.
