Increase in Reported E. coli O157:H7 Cases

(Santa Ana) – The Orange County Health Care Agency has recently received an increased number of Escherichia coli O157:H7 case reports and has notified physicians and other health care providers in Orange County to evaluate patients with bloody or unusually severe diarrhea for E. coli O157:H7.

HCA has launched an investigation to determine possible sources for six confirmed or suspect E. coli cases reported to the Agency from March 31st to April 2nd. Additional testing is now being conducted to determine if the cases are related. The California Department of Health Services is providing assistance for the investigation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. coli O157:H7 is a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. Symptoms may include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Fever is reported in less than one-third of cases and if present may be a low grade fever. The symptoms of E. coli infection typically begin from one to ten days after infection, with an average incubation period of three to four days. Most people recover in five to ten days. In some people, especially children under the age of five and older adults, the infection can lead to a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, a very serious condition affecting the kidneys.

Health care providers should immediately report cases of suspect and confirmed E. coli O157:H7, hemolytic uremic syndrome or positive shiga toxin testing to Orange County Public Health Epidemiology at (714) 834-8180.

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