State Fair May Be Common Link Among E. coli Cases
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Health officials are currently trying to determine if a petting zoo at the N.C. State Fair is the common link between five children, three of which live in Wake County, who are infected with E.coli.
Gibbie Harris, Wake County's community health director, says it's not uncommon for animals that have stepped on their own E. coli-infected feces to then jump on children.
The Department of Agriculture says there are signs posted at the petting zoo warning about disease transmission and the importance of hand washing, especially after contact with animals.
A spokesperson says the Department is currently evaluating the situation.
Harris warns that parents should seek immediate medical attention if their child has bloody diarrhea, as this may be a sign of infection.
Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal cramps and fever.
