Wood County, Ohio is seeing an increase in E. coli cases.
The Wood County Health Department has reported three years of E. coli infections in the past week alone.
Health Commissioner Ben Robison told the Wood County Health Commission on Thursday that 16 known cases of E. coli were confirmed last week.
“We are at the forefront of the investigation,” the health commissioner said.
The Ohio Department of Health is conducting tests to see if there is a connection between cases affecting Wood County residents ages 13 to 60. Test results are expected to be returned on Tuesday.
Robison said the 15 known cases are likely just the beginning. “We expect this number to grow,” he said.
The Department of Health encourages anyone in the county to visit https://woodcountyhealth.org/health-promotion-and-preparedness/infectious-disease/ and believe that they may have had or recently experienced E. coli symptoms. and click “Take”. The “This Survey” link appears in blue.
Of the 16 cases reported so far, at least five people between the ages of 21 and 60 have been hospitalized.
Wood County Health is partnering with other agencies to solve the mystery of the origin of E. coli. These partners include the Ohio Department of Health and other county health departments. Identified associations with foods that are in the early stages of growth or processing may be escalated to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Robison explained that some people believe that when it comes to gastrointestinal problems, it’s because of where or what food you ate last. He said it may not show up until 10 days later.
A health board member reported Thursday that a relative of his became so ill after dining at the Wood County Fair that he had to be rushed to the hospital. established may not have been an issue.
Robison hopes the ODH test results will provide important information, such as whether the E. coli are all the same strain.
“We are moving quickly but purposefully,” he said.
Board member Bob Miden asked if there had been warnings about contaminated produce or other foodstuffs in the country or region. rice field.
“We don’t close the door,” Robison said.
Escherichia coli is a bacterium found in the environment, food, and the intestines of humans and animals. According to the CDC, E. coli is a large and diverse group of bacteria.
About Escherichia coli infection
Anyone who has eaten any of the related products and develops symptoms of an E. coli infection should seek medical attention and consult a doctor about possible food poisoning. Certain tests are required for diagnosis.
Symptoms of E. coli infection vary from person to person, but often include severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients he recovers within 5-7 days.Others may become seriously ill According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can cause life-threatening symptoms and complications.
Approximately 5-10% of people diagnosed with E. coli infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication of renal failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, infrequent urination, small unexplained bruising or bleeding, and pallor.
Most people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some have long-term sequelae and even death. The condition can occur in people of all ages, but children under the age of 5 with immature immune systems, older people with weakened immune systems, and compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. It is most common among people with
People who experience symptoms of HUS should seek emergency medical care immediately. People with HUS may be hospitalized because it can lead to other serious and ongoing problems such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurological problems.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here)
