DES MOINES - An outbreak of food-borne illness in Iowa apparently was caused by E. coli bacteria but the source of the problem has not been identified, the state health department said on Monday.
About 15 high school aged children in the town of Parkersburg in northeast Iowa began showing signs of the illness more than a week ago, according to Kevin Teale, spokesman for the Iowa Department of Public Health.
All have recovered, including three who were treated at a hospital, he said.
Tests on one victim found the O157:H7 E. coli strain, Teale said, adding that two other specimens were being analyzed. "We're fairly positive they will come back 157 also, based on the symptoms," he said.
The strain is the same one that prompted the largest meat recall in U.S. history earlier this year involving 25 million pounds (11 million kg) of hamburger patties.
Teale said the victims were being questioned to determine if they shared the same food at any point, perhaps during a weekend social gathering. He said a number of foods including beef, apple juice, a salad bar or prepared dishes could have been the source of the illnesses.
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
Web Site: http://www.spcnetwork.com/mii