E. coli infection reported by Stephens - District 2 Public Health

District 2 Public Health
David N. Westfall, M.D., MPH, CPE, Health Director
1280 Athens Street • Gainesville, Georgia 30507
PH: 770-535-5743 • FAX: 770-535-5958 • www.phdistrict2.org
Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White Counties
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dave Palmer, Public Information Officer
DATE: May 17, 2013 PH: 770-531-5679 • FAX: 770-535-5958
dbpalmer@dhr.state.ga.us
E. coli infection reported by Stephens County Health Department
The Stephens County health department, along with district and state public health, is investigating seven
(7) cases of E. coli 0157 infection. Individuals began seeking medical care during the first week of May for
symptoms of E. coli, which are stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting.
Local and state public health continues to investigate the incident, but has not yet determined the source of
the outbreak.
E. coli infection generally occurs about 3-4 days after exposure. It often begins with mild stomach pain or
diarrhea and worsens over several days. Public health urges residents who may experience these
symptoms (stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting) that last longer than normal (2-3 days) to seek advice
from their medical provider.
How is E. coli spread
There are several ways people can become infected with E. coli. These include:
Eating contaminated food,
Drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk,
Swimming in a lake or swimming pool that is contaminated and swallowing water,
Contact with cattle,
Contact with animals or objects at a petting zoo,
Contact with human feces; when changing diapers or caring for someone who has diarrhea,
Not washing hands properly after going to the bathroom.
How can food become contaminated
Meat may become contaminated during processing and must be cooked properly to kill the E. coli bacteria.
Foods, such as raw vegetables can also be contaminated with the E. coli bacteria and must be
washed thoroughly before eating raw or cooking.
How to prevent E. coli infection.
• WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before
preparing or eating food. WASH YOUR HANDS after contact with animals or their environments (at
farms, petting zoos, fairs, even your own backyard).

• COOK meats thoroughly. Ground beef and meat that has been needle-tenderized should be cooked
to a temperature of at least 160°F/70˚C. It’s best to use a thermometer, as color is not a very reliable
indicator of “doneness.”
• AVOID raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, and unpasteurized juices (like fresh apple cider).
• AVOID swallowing water when swimming or playing in lakes, ponds, streams, swimming pools, and
backyard “kiddie” pools.
• PREVENT cross contamination in food preparation areas by thoroughly washing hands, counters,
cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat. To learn more about how to protect yourself
from E. coli, see CDC’s feature, E. coli Infection.
For more information about E. coli, visit http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/general/index.html