E. coli O26 Cases in Iowa
According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, 3 children in Iowa have been sickened by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O26 (E. coli O26), a rare strain of E. coli that is not generally associated with E. coli outbreaks. Enterohemorrhagic E. coli strains (E. coli O157:H7 being another one) are characterized by bloody diarrhea due to bleeding in the bowls. The illness associated with these strains is hemorrhagic colitis. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (also referred to as HUS and hemolytic uremic poisoning) can also develop as a result of an enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection.
Health investigators are looking for a possible source of the E. coli O26 bacteria, including pools, farm animals, food and water. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, water-related activities and contact with farm kittens, were identified in two cases.
Health investigators are looking for a possible source of the E. coli O26 bacteria, including pools, farm animals, food and water. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, water-related activities and contact with farm kittens, were identified in two cases.
