North Carolina State Fair E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kelley Building Animal Exhibits
The investigation into the recent E. coli outbreak in North Carolina has determined that the E. coli infections were likely transmitted in the Kelley Building at the North Carolina State Fair. The Kelley Building is one of the permanent structures on the fairgrounds where sheep, goats, and pigs were housed and competed in livestock shows during the fair. State Epidemiologist Megan Davies said the illness is likely related to animal contact, though the study did not implicate any specific animal or breed in the outbreak.
“We know that E. coli 0157 is often found in the intestines of ruminant animals, which include cows, goats and sheep,” Davies said. “These bacteria are shed in the animal’s feces, so if it is on the animal itself or surfaces around the animal that someone touches, the bacteria can be transmitted to that person.”
North Carolina officials are investigating 27 cases related to the North Carolina State Fair outbreak. To date, they have confirmed 11 cases. Of the 11 confirmed cases, 10 were confirmed by the State Laboratory of Public Health as being E. coli 0157:H7 with matching PFGE patterns (DNA fingerprinting). The 11th case did not have laboratory confirmation of E.coli O157:H7, but had hemolytic uremic syndrome, an uncommon, but serious complication of E. coli 0157:H7 infection. The remaining 16 cases were clinically confirmed as connected to the outbreak, meaning they had symptoms consistent with E. coli 0157:H7.
The latest numbers and counties involved include the following:
Wake – 13
Sampson – 6
Cleveland – 1
Durham – 1
Johnston – 1
Lenoir – 1
Orange – 2
Wilson – 2
“This outbreak highlights the need for more protective measures at animal exhibits. Young children are most at risk. The burden should not be placed on parents, but fair officials and animal exhibitors need to make sure the animals are clean and tested,” said Attorney Fred Pritzker, who represents E. coli victims and is representing a young boy who contracted E. coli from a petting zoo in 2010.
The Kelley Building was implicated after a carefully conducted case-control study involving 27 individuals identified as having contracted E. coli after attending the fair in October and another 87 individuals who attended the fair, but did not get sick. Investigators from the Division of Public Health did phone and in-person interviews using a survey tool developed for this purpose that asked a comprehensive series of questions about activities at the fair. Activities included animal exhibits, foods, rides and attractions.
North Carolina Fair E. coli Outbreak Update and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Information
The N.C. Division of Public Health reports that it is now investigating 24 cases related to the E. coli outbreak associated with attending the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. Nine E. coli cases are confirmed; 15 cases are still being investigated. Some of the children have also developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, discussed below.
The latest numbers and counties involved include the following:
Wake – 11
Sampson – 7
Cleveland – 1
Durham – 1
Johnston – 1
Orange – 1
Wilson – 2
Our E. coli lawyers are investigating this outbreak and are available for a free consultation.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome from an E. coli Infection
E. coli infections can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), one of the leading causes of kidney failure in the United States. Young children, the elderly, and people with other medical conditions are greatest risk of developing HUS, but we have represented young, otherwise healthy, older children and adults who developed HUS. If not treated very soon after symptoms manifest, HUS can lead to death, so it is essential that people with E. coli receive prompt medical treatment. However, HUS can be extremely fast moving, too fast for early treatment. We say this because parents absolutely should not feel that it is in any way their fault that their child is severely sickened with E. coli-HUS.
Clues that a person is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination and anemia, which may result in fatigue and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. People with HUS should be hospitalized because their kidneys may stop working and they may develop other serious problems, including stroke, blindness, heart attack, pancreatitis, sepsis and respiratory failure. HUS patients fight for their lives, sometimes for weeks or months.
HUS can cause permanent damage and always involves the risk of future kidney problems. Those legally responsible for E. coli and HUS should be held accountable for all past, present and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages caused by the E. coli poisoning.
North Carolina State Fair and E. coli Connection Investigated: Victims in Wake, Sampson and other NC Counties
The N.C. Division of Public Health reports that it is now investigating 26 cases related to the E. coli outbreak associated with attendance at the North Carolina State Fair. Ten cases are confirmed cases of E. coli infection; 16 cases are still being investigated. Five people are hospitalized: four children and one adult. The children are fighting a complication of E. coli called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), where Shiga toxins released from E. coli organisms attack a person’s red blood cells. Kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, pancreatitis and brain injuries can result. A related complication of E. coli is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), which is also caused by the Shiga toxins and can cause kidney failure, but primarily affects the central nervous system.
23 of the 26 persons involved in the investigation report having attended the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. This is sufficient evidence for public health investigators to consider the North Carolina State Fair as the probable exposure for the outbreak. Public health officials will be contacting some fairgoers in the next phase of their investigation as they try to pinpoint the specific source, which could be an animal exhibit, food or water. Victims and their families can contact our E. coli attorneys for a free consultation to help them understand what legal rights they have and how to protect them.
The latest numbers and counties involved:
| Wake |
14 |
| Sampson |
6 |
| Cleveland |
1 |
| Durham |
1 |
| Franklin |
1 |
| Johnston |
1 |
| Orange |
1 |
| Wilson |
1 |
Of the 26 cases under investigation, 13 are adults and 13 are children. Samples continue to arrive at the state lab and testing will be performed through the weekend.
