North Carolina E. coli outbreak grows

cnn ^ | 11-7-04

[LouAvul]

RALEIGH, North Carolina (AP) -- An outbreak of E. coli infections linked to last month's state fair may be larger than previously thought, with more than 100 additional cases under review, according to health officials.

The number of confirmed infections grew to 31 by Saturday, and the state Department of Health and Human Services was investigating 103 more cases.

Department spokesman Bill Furney attributed the additional reports to heightened awareness among doctors and the public. "We're in a state where we are looking for it," he said.

The most common link among victims is that some visited a petting zoo at the fair. Many children were infected, including three who developed a serious complication that can cause kidney failure.

[wolicy_ponk]

I would bet that we could potentially save millions of dollars a year in healthcare costs (and hopefully lower them) if an alliance of health insurance companies provided the money to distribute anti-bacterial wipes to major grocery/department store chains and have the cart wranglers or the greeter people (Wal-mart) wipe down the handle of every shopping cart that comes back in the building...

Shopping carts spread germs. I try to always carry a small bottle of anti-bacterial gel in my glovebox. I didn't even catch a cold last year.

[carlr]

Washington county New York stemmed from shallow wells and cross contamination with sewage.Most vendors make their drinks from a mix using supplied water.

Those affected were the very young,aged or from an urban enviroment.

Having grown up on a farm left me and many others safer as have been exposed to this kind of the bacteria.

[TaxRelief]

People should buy their own sanitizer. Insurance companies are supposed to be there for emergencies. It is not their job to provide "perfect wellness".