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It is more common to spread E. coli through contamination – undercooked meat, contaminated raw milk or water, or handling raw poultry or pork without washing hands or surfaces properly. Courtesy photo
The Oklahoma State Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of illnesses in the Oklahoma City area. Officials said they identified an outbreak of Campylobacter Shiga-toxin producing E. coli in the Hydro and Weatherford area on October 25. However, reports of illnesses are still on the rise and the OSDH is looking to the public to help find the answers.
Text messages are being sent out to residents with a link to a survey. The survey is crucial to pinpointing where the sickness is coming from and how it’s being transmitted. Officials are currently conducting water and environmental testing in the affected areas.
The OSDH is expanding their investigation into the cause of an increased number of Campylobacter and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli. The survey will be a secure, electronic survey of Custer County, Hydro, Hinton and Lookeba residents.
The surveys will be transmitted to residents through the local Emergency Alert System. For optimal results, health officials are asking that each individual in the household completes the survey.
“This type of survey is extremely useful when investigating the cause of illness,” Oklahoma state epidemiologist Jolianne Stone said in an interview.
The onset of the outbreak person-to-person spread is rare with the illnesses, it is more common to contract them through contamination – undercooked meat, contaminated raw milk or water, or handling raw poultry or pork without washing hands or surfaces properly.
For any residents experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and muscle aches, please seek medical care. Residents are also encouraged to ask their healthcare provider to test for common stomach illnesses caused by the bacteria.
Any individuals experiencing the listed symptoms should avoid public areas for at least 24 hours after the symptomshavedisappeared. For further questions or concerns, please contact 211, or the local health department.