1998 Puyallup, Washington Fair E. coli Outbreak
An outbreak of hemorrhagic colitis due to E. coli O157:H7 was identified among visitors to the Puyallup Fair in Puyallup, Washington, during September of 1998 (CDC Memorandum, March 1999). Two children were initially confirmed as being ill from E. coli O157:H7. The investigation identified three confirmed and five probable cases of E. coli O157:H7 illness. Investigators suspected illness was due to consumption of contaminated hamburgers. However, animal contact also occurred among attendees.
