2023 Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Associated with an Animal Event at the Appalachian Fairgrounds, Tennessee
In September 2023, an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections occurred among school children who attended an animal event at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, Tennessee. A total of 64 cases were identified. Nine cases were laboratory confirmed. Seven were hospitalized. Four developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Of the 9 laboratory confirmed cases, 4 attended a live animal exhibit at the fairgrounds. The remaining laboratory confirmed cases acquired their infection via secondary spread from household members who attended the animal exhibit. There were no deaths.
Three environmental samples were positive for a gene associated with Shiga Toxin E. coli (STEC) but the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 was not isolated.
Tags:
stec, Petting Zoo, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, husOverview
| Outbreak began: | September 2023 |
|---|---|
| Affected country: | US |
| States/territories: | TN |
| Pathogen: | E. coli O157:H7 |
| Vehicle(s): | Animal Contact |
| Location(s): | Animal event |
| Brand name(s): | Appalachian Fair |
| Molecular test results: | Not reported |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 64 |
|---|---|
| Number hospitalized: | 7 |