State Health Department investigating illnesses

By SOMMER WOODWARD The Claremore Daily Progress Wed Aug 27, 2008, 06:51 AM CDT

PRYOR — A recent outbreak of a diarrheal illness in the Mayes County has killed one and hospitalized several others.

The signs and symptoms of the illness are consistent with E. coli, but the Oklahoma State Department of Health has not confirmed the cause of the outbreak.

Two other bacterias, Shegelas and Salmonella, also share similar symptoms, as do a couple of toxins.

“It’s possible it’s not E. coli,” said Dr. Kristy Bradley, OSDH. “It’s important for us to be objective in investigating and don’t jump to conclusions.”

At least 14 people have been hospitalized and up to 20 more potential cases are being investigated.

Bradley said tests are being conducted on stool samples of persons affected to determine what is causing the outbreak. If a potentially disease causing bacteria is present in the samples, steps must be taken to identify exactly what kind of bacteria is present.

The tests taken from a number of people affected are in various stages at hospitals. The health department is awaiting results. Bradley said it may take a couple more days before the cause of the outbreak can be identified.

Larry Weatherford, OSDH spokesman, said the first case was discovered Aug. 18 with the latest case on Saturday.

People who have become ill are from a number of communities including Bixby, Pryor, Sand Springs, Locust Grove, Broken Arrow, Peggs, Tulsa and McAlester.

Signs and symptoms of the outbreak are diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and severe abdominal cramping. Some patients reported a mild fever. People who think they show similar symptoms should contact their health care provider immediately. Disease investigators from the OSDH, Tulsa Health Deparmtent and several northeastern Oklahoma county health departments are looking at all likely sources, including restaurants and specific food sources.

“We have in no way confirmed a source,” said Weatherford. “It’s way too early for that.” Early investigation indicates a large number of people who became ill ate at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove. Of 22 people identified, Bradley said 20 of those reported eating at Country Cottage.

Weatherford said the restaurant is working with the OSDH to assist in the investigation.

A santiarian conducted an inspection of Country Cottage Saturday, although no bacterial testing was done. The Sanitarian from the health department tested holding temperatures on the buffet and conducted various other food safety inspections.

“The restaurant is operating at a very acceptable level,” said Bradley. “There were no concerns identified during that inspection.”

Bradley said the health department is looking at a number of possible contaminants, such as food distributors. If a food item is linked to the outbreak, the health department will work with the FDA or USDA to embargo or recall the product.

Country Cottage is the only restaurant being investigated.

“We are not investigating any other restaurants at this time as being associated with the outbreak,” said Bradley, adding that may change once the department gets results on the food distribution.

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