An E. coli outbreak in King County, Washington has sickened at least three children under the age of 5, according to the county's public health department. Two of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening complication of E. coli infections and have been hospitalized. The third child is recovering at home. The children reported eating fresh produce before becoming ill, but health officials have not yet determined the source of the outbreak. E. coli is transferred when microscopic amounts of human or animal feces are ingested.  Contamination can occur while food is being grown or produced, through contact by food handlers with poor hygiene or through contact with live animals at petting zoos or other exhibits. Symptoms of an E. coli infection … [Read more...]