E. coli Infections Under Investigation in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recently announced an investigation of four E. coli O157:H7 cases and two Rotavirus cases in Northeastern Alabama. All six cases occurred in younger children. The department has not identified any common source for the E. coli cases to date, but will continue investigating.
According to ADPH, the department investigated 113 cases of shiga-toxin producing E. coli in 2021. The E. coli cases currently under investigation fall into this category.
About E. coli
Symptoms of E. coli infection may vary from person to person, but generally involve diarrhea (which may be bloody), acute stomach cramping, and vomiting. Some infected individuals will develop a fever, which is generally low-grade (under 101 degrees Fahrenheit).
While the onset of symptoms is generally 3 to 4 days after consuming contaminated food or water, some people become sick as soon as 1 day or as late as 10 days after exposure. Symptoms generally resolve within 5 to 7 days of onset.