The Indiana State Department of Health has confirmed E. coli infection in three individuals as part of an investigation into reports of illness in three northern Indiana counties. The cases are among a total of six illnesses currently being investigated.
ISDH is working with public health officials in Fulton, Wabash, and Marshall counties to determine the cause of illness in the three other individuals, and to monitor for illness in family members or others who may have been in contact with all six individuals who became ill.
Symptoms of infection can include abdominal cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin three to four days after exposure but can appear from one to eight days after exposure, and typically last five to 10 days. While most people have mild symptoms and get better on their own, a small number of people will develop severe complications that require hospitalization. Young children and elderly adults are at highest risk for serious illness due to E. coli O157:H7 infection. In rare cases, individuals will develop a complication that can lead to death.
The six cases currently being investigated include one death.
Handwashing is the single best defense against E. coli O157:H7.
Anyone with confirmed E. coli infection should be excluded from school or daycare until they are symptom-free and have two negative stool tests to prevent the spread of illness. Parents and caretakers of ill individuals also are at risk and should see a health care provider if symptoms develop. Adults infected with E. coli O157:H7 who work in food service or health care settings should not attend work while ill..
