ELLENSBURG, Wash. (AP) — Kittitas County Public Health officials now say six cases of E. coli illness have been confirmed in Ellensburg and another is suspected. Health officer Dr. Mark Larson says more information is needed to try to determine the origin of the outbreak.
Two day care centers have been temporarily closed. Larson says that’s a precaution to try to halt further person-to-person spread of the bacteria. He stresses the E. coli does not come from the child care facilities.
Most of the cases involve children who attend the day cares. But the first confirmed case was a child who does not attend a day care. Health officials say that 5-year-old was hospitalized but has recovered.
E. coli bacteria are often spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Infection can lead to life-threatening complications in some cases, especially in young children.
