Laredo NOT Affected by E. coli Outbreak
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jun 22, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Laredo, TX—The City of Laredo Health Department is monitoring the large outbreak of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O104:H4 infections ongoing in Germany and some parts of Europe. As a result we want the public to know there are no cases in the United States linked to the outbreak in Europe. In addition the U.S. Food Drug Administration (FDA) is in routine contact with the European Union and the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the current outbreaks and to track any illnesses in the U.S that may be related to the outbreak.
The outbreak originated in Germany and the FDA is currently conducting increased surveillance of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and raw salads, as well as sprouts and sprout seeds from areas of concern.
The CLHD is recommending that any person, who has recently traveled to Germany, or other parts of Europe and has signs or symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea (which is often bloody) and vomiting seek medical care.
Most persons get better within 5-7 days, but some patients develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (acute renal damage) therefore we remind persons if they traveled to Europe and get ill to seek medical care.
Travelers should follow regular food safety measures when handling fruit and vegetables. In addition because of summer we want to remind the public to always practice good hygiene (wash hands before and after going to bathroom) wash before handling food, make sure to maintain food at proper temperatures especially with the heat wave we are going through.
