We contacted Eagle County, Colorado today to get the most current information on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened several young children. DNA fingerprinting has confirmed 5 cases of E. coli that are connected to each other. 2 other cases of E. coli are suspected. All of the confirmed and suspected cases involve children under the age of 5.

Health officials believe the first case involved a local swimming pool and the secondary cases involved 2 child-care centers. There have been no new cases reported since Friday, leading health officials to believe that the outbreak has been contained.

Swimming Pools and E. coli

The primary case of E. coli in this outbreak was, according to health officials, contracted while swimming in a pool. Health officials may never determine exactly how the E. coli got into the pool to infect the child, but it was, most assuredly, the result of poor sanitation. If E. coli-contaminated fecal matter gets into a pool and maintenance measures don't kill the E. coli, swimmers who ingest the water can get sick. If someone gets sick, the owner of the pool can be held liable for resulting damages. For a list of steps pool owners can and should take to prevent the spread of E. coli, please see the CDC guide to prevention for pool staff.

Everyone who swims at a public pool should use good hygiene and common sense to prevent the spread of E. coli. Before using a pool, please consider the following safety measures:

• No one should swim in the pool that has diarrhea, including babies and toddlers wearing diapers.


• We would go further than the CDC and recommend that babies and toddlers with diapers should not be allowed in a pool. Even diapers made for swimming can leak, endangering every other swimmer in the pool.


• If you insist on having someone with diapers in a pool, change the diaper frequently in the bathroom. Wash off the child's bottom well if the child has had a bowel movement. Do not change a diaper near the pool.


• Don't swallow pool water and remind children not to do so before each trip to a pool.


• Take a shower before swimming, taking special care to wash the rear end well with soap. Most people have some fecal matter on them before showering.


• Take children to the bathroom frequently while they are at a pool. If they have a bowel movement, have them shower again.

Pritzker | Ruohonen is a leading E. coli litigation law firm. To contact the firm about an E. coli infection (and resulting HUS) associated with a swimming pool or child-care center, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.