10 Cases of E. Coli Found in Pierce, Thurston Counties

By Carol M. Ostrom, Seattle Times

Jun. 6–An outbreak of E. coli infection sickened 10 people in Pierce and Thurston counties, but health authorities believe the source — likely contaminated lettuce — is long gone.

At least four people were hospitalized, including two teenagers, but all are recovering, health officials said.

Officials could pinpoint no common source of the outbreak, but based on interviews, believe it’s likely lettuce that was consumed in various locations.

Laboratory tests confirmed that nine people were sickened by various types of the 0157:H7 strain that can prove serious for some people. The 10th case was not tested but was believed to be linked.

“It’s not an ongoing outbreak,” said Dr. Diana Yu, health officer for Thurston and Lewis counties. She said the cases in Thurston County all involved teenagers who attended two different schools in the same district, and letters were sent home to reassure parents.

Joby Winans, spokeswoman for Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, said the first cases were called in on May 12, and the most recent on May 26. She said the people did not eat in a common location.

“Our feeling is it’s probably lettuce or fresh produce based on interviews with people, but there’s not a single kind of lettuce that they all shared, so we’re still looking into it.”

In Columbus, Ohio, health authorities reported that a 52-year-old woman who died May 27 had been infected with E. coli. But Washington state health officials said there is no evidence that the case, or others around the country, are connected to the local cases.

Health officials said the cases are a good reminder to cook beef thoroughly to 160 degrees, wash vegetables and avoid swallowing water in common swimming areas.

In the last two years, Washington had an average number of E. coli cases, according to state health-department spokesman Tim Church.

Carol M. Ostrom: 206-464-2249 or costrom@seattletimes.com

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