‘Fast-Moving’ E. Coli Outbreak Infects Michigan and Ohio: Health Officials

Nine people have been hospitalized and 29 others suffered cases of E. Coli in two rust belt states, the CDC reported.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the cause of the outbreak in Michigan and Ohio has not been found yet. Government scientists, therefore, believe many more people have been infected and urge anyone with symptoms to contact their doctor.

No deaths have been reported from the fast-moving strain of bacteria.

The Daily Wire further reported:

Symptoms of the infection vary for each person, but CDC officials said they could often include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Others may come down with a low-grade fever or experience signs of dehydration, such as a reduction in urination, dry mouth and throat, and episodes of dizziness when standing up.

“If you have symptoms of coli, help us solve this outbreak,” the health agency said. “Write down what you ate in the week before you got sick, report your illness to your local or state health department, and answer public health officials’ questions about your illness.”

The Michigan Health Department of Health and Human Services reports it’s currently investigating a recent increase in the number of illnesses related to E. Coli bacteria.

The department reported 98 cases of infection in August, compared to the 20 cases reported last year during the same period.

“While reports of E. coli illness typically increase during the warmer summer months, this significant jump in cases is alarming,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the department’s chief medical executive. “This is a reminder to make sure to follow best practices when it comes to hand hygiene and food handling to prevent these kinds of foodborne illness.”

Symptoms typically appear about three to four days after exposure, but the department said sometimes they could last as long as 10 days.

While the disease can impact everyone, young children will likely experience a more severe illness.

CDC researchers estimate 265,000 Americans become ill from E. Coli each year, with about 3,600 people requiring hospitalization; around 30 deaths from E. Coli occur each year.