The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an intestinal infection epidemic that has broken out in five US states. Its source has not yet been established, although the disease is known to be caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli. Writes about this Science Alert.
The epidemic began on March 2, 2019, and is caused by E. coli strain O103. In total, 72 people aged from one to 74 years fell ill, while eight people were hospitalized. Most cases of infection (36 patients) were registered in the state of Kentucky. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. No deaths were reported.
According to doctors, the pathogenic bacteria comes from the same source. It could be related to a particular food, store, or food chain. However, identifying the original cause of infection is difficult because patients cannot remember what they ate.
Prior to that, since 2000, 18 outbreaks caused by the O103 strain have been reported in the United States, while 29 people were sick during the largest epidemic in Minnesota in 2010. Thus, the 2019 outbreak is the strongest. Experts predict that the number of patients will continue to rise and could double in the next ten days if urgent measures are not taken.
To prevent illness, the CDC recommends thorough hand washing, rinsing vegetables and fruits, proper food preparation, and limiting unpasteurized juice and dairy products.