Kentucky E. coli Outbreak and HUS
The Buffalo Trace District Health Department has confirmed three cases of E. coli poisoning in Bracken and Fleming counties in Kentucky. All three people sickened were hospitalized, most likely because they developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a leading cause of kidney failure in the United States.
According to Tim Stump, director of the district health department, The three cases have been confirmed as E. coli, but the serotype of E. coli has not been determined. The serotype of E. coli most often associated with HUS is E. coli O157:H7, although other serotypes of E. coli can cause HUS. Also, genetic fingerprinting will have to be done to determine if the cases were caused by the same source.
Health investigators are looking for the source of these E. coli cases. Given the number and of ground beef recalls, it is possible that these cases are associated with recalled meat. It is also possible that ground beef that has not been recalled it responsible. A lot of recalls happen only after someone has been sickened. The source of these cases could also be fresh produce, unpasteurized cider or milk, or water.
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