Work to prevent E. coli contamination
The Pueblo West View
The outbreak of E.coli 0157 bacteria in Northern Colorado has been linked to exposure to elk droppings and prompted state health officials to warn parents across Colorado to take precautions when their children are playing outside.
“This is a highly unusual situation, and public health officials are continuing to investigate how the elk in the area may have been exposed. We want to caution the public to take precautions by maintaining good hygiene,” said Gayle L. Miller, senior epidemiologist with the Jefferson County Department of Health & Environment.
Eight illnesses were identified among children aged 4-12 years. Of the eight cases, six were children in Jefferson County, one in Clear Creek County and one in Park County. Illness among the children occurred sporadically throughout the summer and fall.
Officials warn that similar situations could occur in rural areas like Pueblo West because of the exposure to a wide variety of wildlife native to the area.
Most of the ill children in this case had exposure to elk droppings during outdoor recreation, at local fields, parks or around their homes. While playing outside is good exercise, there are a few simple things people can do following outdoor activities to prevent E. coli O157 infections.
- Wash hands thoroughly (preferably with soap and water) after outdoor or recreational time and especially before touching and consuming food. Parents should make sure children do this as well.
- In outdoor and sports settings, parents and organizers should thoroughly cleanse items that may come in contact with children’s mouths (water bottles, food and mouth guards) before use. Also, take steps to be certain hands are clean before handling or using such items.
- Parents and team staff should ensure that children remove excessive surface grime from hands, preferably with a soap-and-water scrub or hand sanitizers, prior to eating during or after sports games.
- Residents of mountain communities heavily populated by deer and elk should clean shoes and boots prior to entering their homes and wash hands thoroughly after doing so.
E. coli 0157 can cause bloody diarrhea and intense abdominal cramps. Some cases may develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome, which usually requires hospitalization. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. People who develop severe diarrhea, abdominal cramping and/or blood in their stool should seek medical attention. Parents are advised to refrain from using medications to treat diarrhea, prior to speaking with a physician, as in some cases this may be problematic.
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