Acute Communicable
Disease Control

 
Contact Information
County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov

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Acute Communicable Disease Control
Escherichia coli O157:H7

Escherichia coli O157:H7, a Gram-negative bacillus, is a specific serotype of the shiga toxin producing class of E. coli (STEC) and the most common such serotype in the US. Incubation period is 2-8 days. Shiga toxins cause abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea, often developing into bloody diarrhea; fever is uncommon. Likely modes of transmission include foodborne (e.g., undercooked ground beef, fresh produce, unpasteurized juice, raw milk) and person-to-person (e.g., day-care settings). There also have been outbreaks associated with exposure to animals and their environments and recreational water exposure. All E.coli O157:H7 isolates are confirmed by the Los Angeles County Public Health Laboratory.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a clinical diagnosis and may or may not be associated with E. coli O157:H7. Children younger than 5 years of age are at highest risk for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a clinical complication consisting of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and kidney failure. Adults may acquire thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) after STEC infection.

LAC DPH Health Alert: Local Cases of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. Coli Linked to Romaine Lettuce (11-26-18)
Food Safety Alert: Do not eat any romaine lettuce (11-20-18)



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