Dallas County health officials are investigating whether several E. coli cases among children may be linked to visits to the State Fair of Texas.
Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is testing a cluster of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli cases among children and investigating a possible link to State Fair visits, Fox 4 first reported. At least two parents told the station their children were hospitalized in Dallas.
Officials are investigating up to seven possible E. coli cases in children and whether the illnesses may be linked to the State Fair of Texas petting zoo, CBS News reported. Officials have not confirmed the cases or a connection to the fair and it has not been classified as an outbreak.
Dallas, United States – October 17, 2019: Entrance to the State Fair of Texas in Fair Park Dallas, an annual state fair taken place since 1886. Health officials are investigating a possible link between a cluster of E. coli cases in children and the State Fair of Texas petting zoo. No official link has been confirmed as of Wednesday morning. (leekris/Getty Images)
“They thought [it] might be associated with being at the petting zoo at the state fair,” DCHHS Director Dr. Philip Huang told CBS News Tuesday night. “We are still trying to follow up on that, because we haven’t seen or received all of the lab reports.”
Animals can shed E. coli in their waste, potentially exposing people who touch infected animals or contaminated surfaces. A representative of a nonprofit supporting families of children with serious infections told CBS that some families had visited the fair’s petting zoo.
A State Fair of Texas representative told Chron that guests’ health and safety are the fair’s top priority and that it is concerned about reports of children becoming ill, with affected families in its thoughts and prayers.
“We take any concerns about the health and safety of our guests seriously,” the State Fair of Texas wrote in a statement. “We have been in contact with Dallas County health officials and will continue to cooperate fully with them.”
The State Fair said it has established health and safety precautions for animal exhibits, including measures designed to reduce the risk of illness as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We recognize that no precaution can eliminate every risk, and we will continue to follow applicable public health guidelines,” the State Fair of Texas wrote. “At this time, we do not have verified information establishing the cause of any reported illness. We will share additional information as it is verified and appropriate to do so.”
Chron contacted the DCHHS Wednesday morning for more information.
Some strains of E. coli, including Shiga toxin-producing strains, can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue and fever. Symptoms usually appear three to four days after exposure, and in rare cases, the infection can lead to serious kidney problems.
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This article originally published at Officials probe E. coli cluster in Texas kids after visits to State Fair petting zoo.