by BRITTANY PENLAND
News Reporter

Three cases of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were confirmed this month in Watauga County by the Appalachian District Health Department.

Possible links between each of the cases are still under investigation, Watauga County Health Department Nursing Supervisor Debbie Garrett said.

“We don’t see a lot of [E. coli] cases on an annual basis and to have three cases at one time is unusual for us,” she said.

The first case of E. coli was confirmed Jan. 3 and the most recent Jan. 16.

Each of the individuals affected have been given a lengthy questionnaire, and health care providers have constructed a seven-day food history of each patient.

The health department also asked patients if they had been swimming in recreational waters, if they have traveled recently and if they own pets or work on farms.

Garrett said the health department typically sees a total of two or three cases throughout the year.

E. coli is spread through the fecal-oral round by poor hygiene or contaminated foods, she said. Improper food handling techniques or food processing can also spread the bacteria.

“I hold very high expectations for cleanliness around food,” freshman undecided major John D. Bowyer said. “I always wash my hands before eating and expect the people who prepare the food to do the same.”

Those infected with E. coli commonly experience symptoms of abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Often the diarrhea contains bloody stool, Garrett said.

“Your best line of defense is good hand washing,” she said. “It sounds so easy, but I can’t say how important it is to wash your hands after you go to the bathroom with soap and water.”

Treatments for those infected with E. coli vary for each individual, but most healthy adults recover without any problems.

However, complications of E. coli can include dehydration from diarrhea and in the most extreme cases, kidney failure, Garrett said.

“I think some students are aware about the dangers of E. coli, but not enough,” freshman elementary education major Rachael J. Ayres said. “There should be more pamphlets or handouts available about it.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site, most people recover from E. coli within five to 10 days without treatment.

The site also estimates 73,000 people are infected with E. coli each year in the United States.

“I will be much more careful about where I eat by looking at the sanitary rating before eating there,” junior elementary education major Jordan E. Hamrick said. “There is no sense in taking a chance in getting sick from eating somewhere that is not sanitary.”

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