By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County Health Department has recorded three years’ worth of E. coli cases in the past week.
Health Commissioner Ben Robison reported to the Wood County Board of Health Thursday evening that 15 known cases of E. coli have been identified in the last week. That compares to 27 cases in the last five and a half years in the county, he said.
“We are in the very front stages of an investigation,” Robison said.
Tests are being conducted by the Ohio Department of Health to see if there is a link between the cases, which affected local residents between the ages of 13 and 60. The results are expected back next Tuesday.
Robison cautioned that the 15 known cases are likely just the beginning.
“This number we expect will grow,” he said.
The health department is asking that anyone in the county who believes they are or have recently experienced possible E coli symptoms to go to https://woodcountyhealth.org/health-promotion-and-preparedness/infectious-disease/ and click on the “take this survey” link in blue.
Of the 15 cases reported so far, five people were hospitalized, ranging in age from 21 to 60, Robison said.
The Wood County Health Department is partnering with other agencies to try and solve the puzzle of the origin of the E. coli. Those partners include the Ohio Department of Health and other county health departments. It could be expanded to the Ohio Department of Agriculture if a link is identified to food products in the early stages of growing or processing.
Robison explained that people sometimes believe the last place or food item they ate is the culprit when it comes to gastro-intestinal issues. But the first symptoms of E. coli may not show up until 10 days after they ate the contaminated food, he said.
One health board member reported Thursday that a relative of his became very ill and had to be taken to the hospital after eating at the Wood County Fair. But Robison noted that the fair food establishment may not have been the problem.
Robison is hopeful that the lab results from ODH will provide vital information – such as if the E. coli is all the same strain.
“We’re moving quickly but intentionally,” he said.
Board member Bob Midden asked if there have been any alerts about national or regional contaminated produce or other foods. Robison said the health department will be looking “in every direction” for the culprit.
“We’re not closing any doors,” Robison said.
E. coli are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria, according to the CDC.
The symptoms for E. coli vary depending on the source and the person infected. The symptoms may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a fever, which usually is not very high (less than 101˚F). Most people get better within five to seven days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.
Most people start feeling sick three to four days after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria. However, illnesses can start anywhere from one to 10 days after exposure.
