2018 Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Consumption of French Broad Farm Raw Milk, Tennessee

In June local and state public health officials in Tennessee investigated an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7infections linked to consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk among members of a French Broad Farm share program. Ten confirmed cases and 7 probable cases were identified. All 10 confirmed cases reported consumption of raw milk in the 7 days prior to symptom onset. Of the 10 confirmed cases, seven cases were hospitalized and six were diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome. No one died. Illness onset dates for confirmed and probable cases ranged between May 22 and June 4, 2018. The outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 (EXHX01.0047/EXHA26.3187) was isolated in patients and cow feces collected at the farm.

Overview

Outbreak began:May 2018
Affected country:US
States/territories:TN
Pathogen:E. coli O157:H7
Vehicle(s):Milk
Location(s):Private Home
Brand name(s):French Broad Farm
Molecular test results:EXHX01.0047/EXHA26.3187

Health impact

Total ill:17
Number hospitalized:7

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents