MONROE - The Green County Health Department and Wisconsin Division of Public Health are continuing to investigate nine confirmed E. coli infections in the county.
In the past two days, nine individuals have been tested for E. coli 0157:H7, but tests showed that none were infected, Green County Health Department Director RoAnn Warden said in written statement late Friday afternoon.
The last confirmed case in Green County was on Wednesday, Sept. 7.
Between mid-August and early September, there were nine cases confirmed. Eight people fell ill and a 20-month-old Green County child died Sunday, Sept. 11 after being admitted to UW Hospital a week earlier. The majority of those affected were under the age of 7, and the majority were in the Monroe area, she said.
E. coli 0157:H7 is a strain of bacteria that infects the intestinal tract and may produce a toxin that affects other parts of the body. Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, which is often bloody, as well as severe abdominal cramps, and they typically appear three to four days following exposure to the bacteria. Most E. coli infections resolve within a week, Warden said.
Anyone can become infected with E. coli by eating contaminated food or water, or by having contact with fecal material from infected people or animals, especially cattle.
The Green County Health Department urges area residents to protect themselves and family by washing their hands and eating well-cooked meat, as well as by drinking pasteurized milk and juice.
Warden advised residents with diarrhea, especially bloody diarrhea, vomiting and fever to contact a health care provider.
In the past two days, nine individuals have been tested for E. coli 0157:H7, but tests showed that none were infected, Green County Health Department Director RoAnn Warden said in written statement late Friday afternoon.
The last confirmed case in Green County was on Wednesday, Sept. 7.
Between mid-August and early September, there were nine cases confirmed. Eight people fell ill and a 20-month-old Green County child died Sunday, Sept. 11 after being admitted to UW Hospital a week earlier. The majority of those affected were under the age of 7, and the majority were in the Monroe area, she said.
E. coli 0157:H7 is a strain of bacteria that infects the intestinal tract and may produce a toxin that affects other parts of the body. Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, which is often bloody, as well as severe abdominal cramps, and they typically appear three to four days following exposure to the bacteria. Most E. coli infections resolve within a week, Warden said.
Anyone can become infected with E. coli by eating contaminated food or water, or by having contact with fecal material from infected people or animals, especially cattle.
The Green County Health Department urges area residents to protect themselves and family by washing their hands and eating well-cooked meat, as well as by drinking pasteurized milk and juice.
Warden advised residents with diarrhea, especially bloody diarrhea, vomiting and fever to contact a health care provider.