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Shiga Toxin E. Coli Cases Among Fair Attendees
Three probable cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) with bloody diarrhea have been reported from Grand Traverse County with known onset dates between 8/15 - 8/17. All three are children who attended the Northwestern Michigan Fair in Traverse City, MI between 8/9 and 8/13. One case has been hospitalized with probable Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
This fair likely attracts visitors (especially children) from a broad geographic area, so associated cases could potentially occur outside of the Grand Traverse area. Medical providers should be alert to severe diarrheal illnesses including bloody diarrhea, and order stool testing (both culture and rapid diagnostic methods) for STEC.
Suspect STEC cases should be reported promptly into the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) and asked about attendance at the fair. Contact MDCH Communicable Disease Division at 517-335-8165 concerning associated cases.
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