Recent News
November 16, 2011
E. coli updates to be on the Department of Health and Senior Services website
Since October 26, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has lead a team of local, federal, and state public health experts in investigating the cause of the E. coli outbreak that hit the St. Louis region. The investigation involves laboratory analysis, environmental sampling and case interviews. This information is then combined to determine the possible cause(s) of the outbreak.
DHSS today added one new cases based on lab results from specimens submitted to the State Public Health Laboratory last week. The cases have the same E. coli fingerprint as that observed in the outbreak.
Moving forward the department will continue to update results of testing on its website. That information can be found here: http://www.health.mo.gov/information/news/EcoliUpdate.pdf
The following chart, which will now be located online and updated daily, reflects testing results to date:
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Missouri Numbers Update - October 7 to November 16 |
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Number of Missourians confirmed to have E. coli connected to the St. Louis investigation: 33 |
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Number of food samples, connected to the St. Louis outbreak, tested to date: 55 |
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Number of food samples confirmed to have E. coli: 0 |
Public health officials again urge consumers to wash all produce thoroughly with water before eating, cook meat thoroughly, and wash their hands after using the restroom. For additional food safety tips and more information on E. coli illness and investigation, visit www.health.mo.gov.
Public health officials continue to urge anyone experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea or nausea, to seek medical attention.
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