Officials from the Georgia Department of Human Resources believe the kids gulped pool water containing fecal matter from an E. coli -infected child. In the biggest U.S. outbreak to date of foodborne illness from enterotoxigenic E. coli, a milder form referred to as ETEC, Illinois's Cook County health department reported last week that more than 5,400 people had become ill. After interviewing some 2,000 who suffered diarrhea, cramps, and nausea, officials linked ETEC to potato salad made by Iwan's Deli, a popular local caterer. The more likely culprit is raw vegetables or eggs in the salad. Two previous outbreaks of ETEC reported to the CDC in 1993 were also associated with salads, one with green salad, another with tabbouleh.
Outdoor parties breed more food-handling errors, too.
Raw chicken often tests positive for salmonella or campylobacter bacteria. And many problems could be avoided by keeping cold foods cold.