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Enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 (EHEC)

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Multi-state Outbreak of Enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 (EHEC) (updated 9/21/06)

Health Alert:  September 21, 2006 (Word)
Health Alert:  September 21, 2006 (.pdf)

A multi-agency, nationwide investigation of E. coli O157:H7 infections associated with consumption of raw spinach is ongoing.  As of September 21, 2006, more than 150 cases sharing the same molecular fingerprint have been reported in 23 states, with 53% of patients hospitalized, 17% with HUS and one death. 

Three Washington residents in Cowlitz, Island and Benton counties have been confirmed to be infected with the outbreak strain and a number of additional cases here are under investigation.

To quickly identify potential cases we request that healthcare providers notify their local health jurisdiction about suspected or confirmed E. coli O157:H7 immediately and that local public health investigators notify DOH as soon as possible when they hear about a suspected or confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infection.  If the individual has had, or will have a stool specimen obtained for culture, please complete the CDC spinach interview form (Word or pdf) and FAX to DOH @ 206.418.5515. 

To report suspected or confirmed cases, request clinical or product testing for E. coli O157:H7 or for questions about this outbreak, please contact the DOH Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section:

Kathryn MacDonald or Reena Gulati at 206.418.5500

CDC spinach questionnaire (Word)
CDC spinach questionnaire (pdf)

For regular updates, please check the DOH, CDC, and FDA websites:

DOH: http://www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/Epidemiology/CD/ci/currentissues.htm
CDC:  http://www.cdc.gov/foodborne/ecolispinach/
FDA:  http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/spinach.html

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Washington State Department of Health
Communicable Disease Epidemiology
1610 N.E. 150th Street
Shoreline, WA 98155
Phone (206) 418-5500
FAX (206) 418-5515
24-hour contact 1-877-539-4344
 

Last Update : 05/21/2009 06:35 PM
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