Texas officials investigate claims State Fair petting zoo was source of E. coli surge

Health officials in Dallas are investigating a “cluster” of E. coli cases linked to a petting zoo at the State Fair of Texas.Dallas County Health and Human Services is investigating whether the cases originated at the petting zoo. Officials told Fox 4 News that the E. coli cases stem from the “Shiga toxin-producing E. coli” strain. The cases have affected children across a range of ages, according to officials. At least two parents have told Fox 4 that their children are hospitalized in Dallas as a result. Children’s Medical Center Dallas said it has seen an increase in cases of the bacteria. Officials are still interviewing parties involved, but said that the number of cases does not qualify as an “outbreak.” Health officials are looking into whether a cluster of E. coli cases in Dallas originated at a Texas State Fair petting zoo (Getty)It was not immediately clear how many cases Texas health officials say equate to an outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an outbreak occurs when two or more people get the same illness from the same contaminated food or drink. The Independent has contacted Dallas County Health and Human Services for more information. E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines. While most types are harmless, some strains can cause severe food poisoning, diarrhea, urinary tract infections and other illnesses.Infections can come after eating contaminated food or drinking polluted water, or from poor hand hygiene after touching farm animals or handling fecal matter. Symptoms typically develop one to 10 days after exposure. E. coli infections can occur after consuming contaminated food or water (PA Media)In a statement, the State Fair of Texas said the health and safety of guests is their “No. 1 priority.” “We are concerned to hear reports that children may have become ill, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected.” “While we have not received official notification of these reports, we take any concerns about the health and safety of our guests seriously. We are prepared to work closely with the appropriate public health authorities to understand the circumstances related to any infection.” The statement continued: “The State Fair has established health and safety precautions for its animal exhibits, including measures designed to reduce the risk of illness recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We recognize that no precaution can eliminate every risk, and we will continue to follow applicable guidance and cooperate fully with public health officials.“At this time, we do not have verified information establishing the cause of any reported illness. We will share additional information as it is verified and appropriate to do so,” the statement added.