Dallas County Health and Human Services is examining whether a cluster of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections among children may trace to the State Fair of Texas petting zoo, The Independent reported Wednesday.
Officials told Fox 4 that the cases involve a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strain and affect children in several age groups. They said the case total did not qualify as an outbreak. Fox 4 said parents of at least two affected children reported that the children are hospitalized in Dallas because of the cluster. Children’s Medical Center Dallas reported that its E. coli caseload had increased.
State Fair of Texas said it had not received formal notice of the reports and had no confirmed explanation for the illnesses. The fair said its animal exhibits have health safeguards informed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, and it would cooperate with public health authorities.
The Independent listed contaminated food or water and poor hand hygiene after animal contact as general ways E. coli infections can spread; it did not identify either as the source of this cluster. Officials are continuing interviews with people connected to the cases, the outlet reported.
