County officials say they expect more cases of E.Coli in the coming days from people who have attended the San Diego County Fair.
Three children are currently recovering from the infection that killed one child, 2-year-old Jedidiah Cabezuela, last week. All four children contracted the illness after visiting the fair’s petting zoo and animal areas, fair and health officials said.
There were no new reports of E. Coli on Monday but doctors did see an increase in pediatric patients going to the emergency room over the weekend, 10News reported.
“There are generally more cases that are learned about over time, so I would expect more cases to come forward,” San Diego County Health and Human Services‘ Dr. Eric McDonald told Fox5.
McDonald said he believes it will be seven to 10 days before officials know of additional cases.
Fair officials said Saturday at a news conference that the fair is “safe and secure.”
Officials recommend fair attendees to use hand-washing stations around the fairgrounds, especially before eating. People who do not wash their hands after petting an animal or have food or drinks in an area with animals increase their chance of contracting the illness, according to medical officials.
Symptoms of E.Coli include severe abdominal cramping, watery or bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms may also occur with or without a fever. County health officials said anyone who experienced the symptoms on or after June 8 should contact their healthcare provider.
— City News Service