2011 North Carolina State Fair E. coli Outbreak
At least 27 North Carolina residents became ill with E. coli O157:H7 infections after visiting the N.C. State Fair in October 2011. Residents of 8 North Carolina counties were part of the outbreak.
Investigators from the N.C. Division of Public Health and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and consumer Services announced that the Kelley Building, which is a permanent structure on the fairgrounds, was the most likely source of the E. coli outbreak. Sheep, goats and pigs were housed and competed in livestock shows in the Kelley building during the fair. No other exhibits, foods or activities were associated with the E. coli outbreak.
Public health agencies are working to identify additional protective measures for fairgoers in the future.
