Although most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness. Sixteen of the 20 bacteria isolates have an identical genetic pattern. The other four appear to be coincidental cases, unrelated to the outbreak. They just happened to occur at the same time. According to the CDC, an estimated 73,000 cases of E. coli infection and 61 deaths occur in the U.S. each year.
Infection often leads to bloody diarrhea, and occasionally to kidney failure.
Most people recover without antibiotics or other treatment in five to 10 days. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.