E. coli Investigation Narrowed to 12 Cases with Similarities

Eight people recently sickened by a strain of E. coli reported consuming raw milk from a farm in Armstrong, but samples taken from the Howard County farm all tested negative for the bacteria.

Department of Health and Senior Services spokeswoman Gena Terlizzi said the owner of the farm, Sam Stroupe, has discontinued the sale of raw dairy products.

The department previously reported that there were 15 cases of E. coli and seven were possibly linked to the farm. The investigation has now been narrowed to focus on 12 cases with similar lab results, geographic proximity and case history, Terlizzi said. The three additional cases previously reported did not meet the new focus, she said.

Columbia/Boone County health officials confirmed today that four of the eight cases linked by consumption of raw milk from the Howard County farm are from Boone County. One of the victims, a 2-year-old child, remains hospitalized. The four Boone County residents who tested positive for E. coli range in age from 2 to 31.

Terlizzi said DHSS officials continue to follow up on each case under investigation. The department began investigating an increase in E. coli cases in Central Missouri in late March.

The state health department considers the consumption of raw, unpasteurized milk and products made from raw milk "an unnecessary health risk." Officials point to the safety benefits of pasteurization.

"The role of pasteurization is to eliminate disease-causing germs that may have contaminated the milk and to provide protection for consumers," Terlizzi said.

Symptoms of E. coli include stomach discomfort, diarrhea and vomiting. Sometimes victims experience a slight fever. Health officials recommend cooking meat thoroughly and washing hands before preparing food as precautions for preventing infection.

People most at risk for E. coli infection are young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.