At least four cases of E. coli linked to children who attended the Georgia National Fair earlier this month have been confirmed, according to multiple reports.
Three children were hospitalized after attending the event Oct. 7-17 in Perry, according to WSBTV.com.
Officials with the Georgia Department of Public Health and North Central Health District are investigating to see if the E. coli, a type of bacteria, was spread at the fair, according to 13WMAZ.
Credit: Sarah White / UGA Photojournalism workshop
Credit: Sarah White / UGA Photojournalism workshop
Four cases of the shiga toxin have been identified, department spokesman Michael Hokanson told 13WMAZ. The children live in counties around the state, Hokanson said.
The fair, which was held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter and typically attracts 500,000 people each year, features livestock competitions, horse shows, pig racing and a petting zoo.
The fair was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic.
E. coli can cause cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and kidney damage in severe cases. It can be passed by consuming raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef.
E. coli also can be spread on unwashed hands and surfaces, or by touching animals at petting zoos.
Health officials have devised a public questionnaire to help pinpoint the source of the outbreak, Hokanson said.
If you attended the fair, click here to fill out the questionnaire. Officials said you can fill it out even if you did not get sick.
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