North Carolina State Fair Petting Zoo 2004
A cluster of E. coli O157:H7 cases, including some who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), were reported among children who had visited a petting zoo at the North Carolina State Fair. Further investigation found additional related illnesses. The fair had two petting zoos. A case control study was performed. No specific food, beverage, or recreational water exposure was associated with illness. Visiting petting zoo B was associated with a significantly increased risk of illness. Petting zoo B had sanitation problems. This petting zoo allowed extensive contact with goats and sheep and their bedding in a crowded circumstance. Visits to petting zoo A were not associated with illness.
- Outbreak began:
- October 2004
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- N/A
- Organism(s):
-
- E. coli O157:H7
- Vehicle(s):
- Animal Contact
- Molecular Results Available:
- Unknown
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- Petting Zoo
- Brand Name(s):
- Total ill:
- 108
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Unknown
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- N/A
- Number Probable Cases:
- N/A
- Number Possible Cases:
- N/A
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Yes
- Number Hospitalized:
- 20
- Any Deaths:
- Unknown
- Number Dead:
- Unknown
- Any References:
- Yes