Re: Hamilton for Youth Dream Team

[Charle5170@aol.com]

Steve:

In case you missed this in last week's news re: your survey.

Charlie Powell, Public Information Officer
WSU College of Veterinary Medicine

E. coli Traced to Zoo Animals

.c The Associated Press

  
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) - An E. coli outbreak that sickened at least five 
children has been traced to animals at a petting farm. 

Four of the children had visited The Farm. The fifth child apparently 
contracted the infection from a sibling who had gone there, said Dr. Jo 
Hofmann, director of communicable disease for the Snohomish Health District. 

None of the cases appeared to involve lasting or life-threatening conditions, 
and the three children who were hospitalized have been released. 

The victims were among more than 200 youngsters who visited the farm on May 
18. 

The farm has added a hand-washing station. 

``This has just blown us away,'' co-owner Ben Krause said. ``We've been told 
we have one of the nicest, cleanest petting zoos around.'' 

E. coli infections are commonly associated with contaminated water or 
undercooked meat. The disease also may be transmitted through direct contact 
with feces. In this case, youngsters apparently touched farm animals and then 
put their fingers in their mouths. 

``People have to be very, very careful about washing their hands after they 
come in contact with animals, including pets,'' Hofmann said. 

AP-NY-06-08-00 1715EDT

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news 
report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed 
without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.  All active 
hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.