Seven children are hospitalized, including four who are seriously ill, following a field trip to an animal exhibit in Northeast Tennessee, officials said Friday.
Students from Washington and Sullivan counties visited an animal exhibit at the Appalachian Fairgrounds on September 26-27. Since then, several cases of illness caused by Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli have been reported.
Here is a statement from Regional Medical Officer for the Northeast Regional Health Office, Dr. David Kirschke, MD:
The Northeast Regional Health Office and the Sullivan County Health Department are investigating cases of illness caused by Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) among elementary school children in Washington and Sullivan counties. These illnesses occurred after some classes visited an animal exhibit at the fairgrounds on September 26 and 27. So far, 7 children have been hospitalized and 4 are seriously ill with complications.