An increased number of cases have been reported in several northeastern states. We simply want to let the public know what's going on and to advise them of how to avoid exposure to this bacteria. Dr. Nolan noted that Rhode Island has about 4-10 cases of E. coli related illness each year. Most illness related to E. coli comes from eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef.
Infection often causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Persons with these symptoms should contact their physicians. Public health officials in Rhode Island are taking several steps to respond to concerns about possible exposure to E. coli. The Department of Health is supporting the voluntary recall of ground beef announced by Shaw's Supermarkets on June 12, 1998. The Department also alerted emergency rooms and Urgent Care Centers throughout the state to increase their awareness and to advise testing of patients with symptoms. Microbiology labs have been notified to prepare for processing of additional tests.