An E.coli outbreak in Windham CT has sickened seven people, two of whom developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) a complication of some E.coli infections that leads to kidney failure. Winham is located in the north central part of the state, about 28 miles from Hartford.
Officials from the North Central District Health Department told WFSB news that they believe those who were sickened were exposed to the bacteria between mid and late December. A source of the outbreak has not yet been identified.
E.coli poisoning occurs when microscopic amounts of fecal matter are ingested. Sometimes this is from a food handler with poor hygiene, sometimes it is from contact with animals at petting zoos or sometimes contaminated food is sold at grocery stores or farmers’ markets.
Symptoms of an E.coli infection include abdominal cramping and diarrhea that is sometimes bloody. After those symptoms resolve, long-term complications such as increased risk of high blood pressure, kidney damage and cardiovascular disease are possibilities.
