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Infections with Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Washington state: the first year of statewide disease surveillance

Article Abstract:

Washington was the first state to require that infection with Escherichia coli strain 0157:H7 be reported. In 1987, the first year of surveillance, 93 cases were reported, an incidence of 2.1 cases per 100,000 population per year. Patients ranged from 11 months to 78 years of age, with an average age of 14 years. The highest infection rate was among children under five years, who had a rate of six cases per 100,000 per year. Bloody diarrhea was present in 95 percent of cases. Twelve percent of patients developed either hemolytic-uremic syndrome or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. One patient, who was immunocompromised due to treatment with steroids, died. Suspected cases of the infection secondary to some other disease were seen in five percent of households. Sixty percent of cases occurred from June through September, as did seventy-three percent of the cases involving thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Cases reported during the summer were more likely to involve children under ten years old than cases reported the rest of the year. Medications, including antimicrobial medications, had no effect on the duration of symptoms or on the likelihood of developing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Health aspects, Washington, Washington (State)

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Outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection - Georgia and Tennessee, June 1995

Article Abstract:

Outbreaks of Escherichia (E.) coli 0157:H7 infection are often caused by contaminated ground beef that is undercooked or exposed to uncooked food items while raw. Such cross contamination of other uncooked food items, such as hamburger buns, may be prevented by washing hands and surfaces exposed to raw meat and using different utensils on meat before and after cooking. To improve detection of E. coli 0157:H7 infections, clinical laboratories should screen all bloody stools for the bacteria. An outbreak of the infection in Georgia and Tennessee in June 1995 involved 10 people who had bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps. An investigation indicated that the outbreak was caused by hamburgers at restaurants in the same fast food chain. The investigation showed that the meat was probably cooked thoroughly, but had contaminated uncooked items while raw. In response, the fast food chain started a program to train employees in handling of food.

Research, Epidemics, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Statewide Surveillance for Ehrlichiosis--Connecticut and New York,1994-1997

Article Abstract:

The State of Connecticut reported 173 cases of erlichiosis from 1995 to 1997, and New York reported 225 cases from 1994 to 1997. This bacterial infection, spread by ticks, can cause fever, headache, and low blood levels of platelets and white blood cells. The highest rates of illness were in patients 70-79 years of age, and most cases occurred between May and September, when tick activity is highest.

Connecticut, New York, Statistics, Tick-borne diseases, Ehrlichiosis

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