An E.coli outbreak in Kentucky has sickened six children, four of whom are hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a spokeswoman for the state department for public health said today. The children range in age from 18 months to 6 years old, said Gwenda Bond, Assistant Communications Director for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
The cases include a pair of siblings and two other children from Hardin County, one child from Oldham County and one child from Boone County. A case from Nelson county was also recently reported but is not believed to be part of the outbreak.
The newly reported Boone County case patient is not hospitalized and does have HUS, the life-threatening complication of some E.coli infections that can cause kidney failure, stroke, seizure, coma and death. Between 10 and 15 percent of children diagnosed with E. coli infections develop HUS.
State health officials are awaiting test results that will confirm if the cases are linked. At this point, the cases are believed to be associated based on “time and place” of possible exposure.
Symptoms of E. coli poisoning, which include stomach cramps and diarrhea that is often bloody, develop 1 to 10 days after exposure. HUS usually develops a week or so after the onset of diarrhea. Children experiencing bloody diarrhea should see a doctor.
State health officials are collaborating with county health officials, agriculture officials, hospitals and doctors on an investigation of the outbreak.
Past E. coli outbreaks have been linked to undercooked beef, unpasteurized drinks, dairy products, fresh produce, swimming areas and petting zoos. If you have information about these or other outbreaks, let us know.
