Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with school field trips at a farm animal exhibit-Tennessee, September-October 2023.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

In October 2023, the Tennessee Department of Health identified an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 infections among elementary school students who attended school field trips to the same farm animal exhibit. Our aim was to determine STEC source and prevent additional illnesses by initiating epidemiologic, laboratory and environmental investigations.

Methods and results

We identified cases using laboratory-based surveillance and by surveying caregivers of children who attended the exhibit. Probable cases were defined as illness with abdominal cramps or diarrhoea after attendance; confirmed cases were laboratory-confirmed STEC infection in an attendee or household contact. A site visit was conducted, and event organizers were interviewed.

SUBMITTER: Thomas CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11951936 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature