1999 E. coli Outbreak at a Social Event in a Cow Pasture in Petersburg, Illinois
An outbreak of E. coli bacteria was reported in Petersburg, Illinois, in 1999 (Nando Times, 1999). The outbreak took place among 1,800 people who attended a party called “Cornstalk” held in a cow pasture. State health officials reported that 202 individuals became ill, and that 20 were hospitalized. However, none of the reported illnesses were considered serious. The source of contamination was not identified.
