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E. coli O145 Outbreak Plagues South

In May 2012 Louisiana health officials began investigating a possible E. coli outbreak after three people in New Orleans were found to have matching strains of E. coli O145. One of the victims, a 21-month-old toddler, died on June 1. Working with other state and federal health departments, officials learned of a growing cluster of E. coli O145 cases with matching genetic finger prints in several southern states.

On June 8 it was announced that at least 14 victims, including 3 hospitalizations and 1 death, were in the outbreak in the following states:

* Georgia: 5 cases in four counties Cobb (2 illnesses), Cherokee, Coweta, and Forsyth (1 illness each)

* Louisiana: 4 cases, including 1 death. Each case is in the New Orleans-area

* Alabama: 2 cases. Counties or cities unknown

* Florida: 1 case in the Tallahassee area (Leon County)

* California: 1 case. County and city unknown

* Tennessee: 1 case. County and city unknown

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have said that victim illness onsets range from April 15 to May 12, 2012, though a possible case has been reported as late as June 4.

A Massachusetts boy died on May 26 from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which he developed from an E. coli O157 infection. Officials have not determined the source of his infection, but have stated it is not related to this outbreak.

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