34 Confirmed Cases of E. coli Linked to Connecticut Farm

LEBANON, CT- The state Department of Public Health is now investigating 34 confirmed cases of E. coli infections linked to Oak Leaf Farm in Lebanon.

Patients range from 10 months to 45-years-old with a median range of five years. Six adults and 28 children under the age of 14 are affected.

The outbreak was identified March 24 when six of seven people who came down with E. coli infections were confirmed to have visited the farm and come into contact with goats there. Exposures to confirmed cases happened between March 6 and March 20.

So far nine patients have been hospitalized and four are still undergoing treatment; three have been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a rare and serious illness that affects the kidneys and blood clotting system.

There are three patients who didn’t visit the farm, but became ill with E. coli after having contact with someone who did visit the farm.

The multi-agency investigation into the farm is expected to last several weeks. The farm remains closed to the public and owners are cooperating in the investigation. Anyone who bought goats recently should consult their livestock veterinarian, the agency said.

The department urges people who are infected with the disease or are close to someone infected with it to use the following precautions.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after using the restroom or changing a child’s diaper.
• Wash your hands before and after preparing food for yourself and others.
• Stay home from school or work while diarrhea persists; most people can return to work or school when they no longer have diarrhea. Special precautions are needed for food handlers, health care workers, and child care providers and attendees. Check with your employer before returning to work, and check with your child’s child care center before resuming child care.

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