At least eight people in Eagle County have become sick because of E. coli exposure, according to local and state health officials.
“We became aware of two new cases this week, although we believed they actually picked up the bacteria during the end of July,” said Jill Hunsaker, Eagle County Public Health Manager, in a press release.
The Eagle County outbreak probably has been contained, officials said.
E. coli illness is spread through food and water that has been contaminated by fecal matter. In some people, particularly the elderly and children under 5 years of age, the infection can cause kidney complications. It can take from two to eight days before symptoms of the illness show, according to health officials.
Three child-care facilities are being investigated in the E. coli outbreak after sick children continued to attend, health officials said.
“Parents should take their child to see a physician if they run a fever with diarrhea, if their diarrhea contains blood or continues for more than two days,” Hunsaker said.
Officials said it’s important that children who attend day care stay home whenever they have diarrhea.
People seeking a physician in Eagle County can call public health at 970-328-8840.
To prevent E. coli and other infections, regular handwashing is advised, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers.
Other preventive measures include thoroughly cooking meat and washing vegetables, which can carry the bacteria, officials said.
Staff writer Kieran Nicholson can be reached at 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com.
