Health News- Mysterious E. Coli Outbreak Strikes Virginia Boy Scout Camp

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Mysterious E. Coli Outbreak Strikes Virginia Boy Scout Camp

August 02, 2008
RICHMOND, Va. —  Fourteen Boy Scouts and one adult who attended a popular camp in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains contracted an E. coli infection from a source public health officials have yet to identify.

Nine of 50 to 60 scouts and staff who reported being ill have been hospitalized, the Virginia Department of Health said Friday. Citing privacy concerns, they could not provide their conditions.

Most of the scouts are from northern Virginia, and one of the confirmed cases involves a Maryland adult.

Officials are trying to determine the source of the outbreak, which is most commonly caused by undercooked contaminated ground beef.

The department began receiving reports Sunday when boys from about 70 troops returned home after a week at the Goshen Scout Reservation in Rockbridge County.

Nearly 1,500 scouts and adult leaders and 200 staff were at the camp from July 20-26, the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America said in a statement.

Department officials have since visited the 4,000-acre camp, located between Lexington and Staunton in western Virginia, and found no obvious sources of the outbreak. The camp includes Lake Merriweather.

"We're trying to recreate the past," Seth Levine, a state epidemiologist, said of the investigation. He said it was too early to link the outbreak to ground beef or any other source.

Not everyone exposed to E. coli becomes ill, Levine said. Those who do commonly suffer from stomach cramps, watery bloody diarrhea, and fever and chills. In severe cases, the infection can damage organs such as kidneys.

Public health officials who visited the camp examined its food handling and storage practices and recommended changes, said Robert Hicks, director of the office of environmental health services.

In a statement posted Friday on the council's Web site, executive Alan Lambert said he instructed unit leaders to contact boys and adults who attended the camp and advised them to seek medical treatment if they show any signs of the infection.

E. coli0157, which sickened the 15, is the most common form of the infection. Possible sources also include unwashed greens, swimming in contaminated water, and food fouled by preparers who haven't washed their hands.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that E. coli sickens about 73,000 people and kills 61 each year in the United States. Most of those who die have weak immune systems, such as the elderly or very young.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,396529,00.html

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Virginia DoH Invastigates E. coli Outbreak

August 4, 2008
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157 infection among recent attendees of a Boy Scout reservation located in Goshen, Virginia. Public health officials are working closely with reservation staff to explore possible sources of the infection through interviews with staff, the parents of the ill children, and health care providers.

“VDH was notified of this outbreak on July 27th,” explained State Health Commissioner, Karen Remley, M.D., M.B.A. As of July 31, eleven cases of infection have been confirmed and approximately 20 individuals have reported illness since attending the camp during the period of July 20 to July 26. “The majority of ill persons are residents of northern Virginia, although we are aware that attendees of the camp live in areas throughout Virginia, as well as in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and possibly other states,” said Remley.

“Some people who are exposed to E. coli O157 do not become ill,” explained VDH epidemiologist, Seth Levine. “Others may develop stomach cramps and watery bloody diarrhea.” Other symptoms may include vomiting, fever, and chills. In severe cases, the infection can damage other organs, such as the kidneys.

E. coli are bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals such as cows. Most strains of the E. coli bacteria do not cause illness. However, E. coli O157 can cause serious illness in humans. Anyone can become infected with E. coli O157, but infection appears to be more common in children than adults.

The most common cause of E. coli O157 infection is undercooked contaminated ground beef; however, other sources have included unpasteurized milk and juice, salami, produce (e.g., sprouts, lettuce, spinach), and swimming in feces-contaminated water. Infected foodhandlers can contaminate food if they do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom. Hands contaminated while changing diapers can spread the disease (e.g., in daycare facilities). Animal-to-human transmission can occur after contact with contaminated surfaces or animals (e.g., at agricultural fairs, petting zoos, farm visits).

Public health investigators seek to identify individuals who attended this camp and developed symptoms of E. coli O157 infection since arriving at the camp on July 20. Persons who develop symptoms of E. coli O157 infection are advised to consult a physician and contact their local health department.

“Fortunately, most people recover on their own within 5-10 days - but it is important that anyone who has bloody diarrhea seek medical attention just to be safe,” explained Levine. “However, antibiotics do not appear to help people get better faster and are not usually indicated. Persons with diarrhea should drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. Drugs that stop diarrhea (e.g., Imodium) should not be used.” How can E. coli O157 infection be prevented?

1. Never eat rare or undercooked ground beef - cook to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods. Wash hands, counters, utensils, and plates after contact with raw meat.

3. Do not drink unpasteurized milk, milk products, fruit juices, or ciders.

4. Always wash any raw fruits or vegetables before eating.

5. Always carefully wash hands before and after preparing foods.

6. Always refrigerate meat products. Never leave raw meats at room temperature.

7. Make sure children wash their hands carefully, especially after using the toilet or handling animals.

8. Always wash hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet or changing diapers.

9. Persons with diarrhea should not use public swimming facilities or work as foodhandlers.

10. Clean and disinfect diapering areas, toilets/potty chairs, toys, etc. at least daily and when soiled.

http://www.emaxhealth.com/75/23686.html