Quarantine Ordered in Wisconsin E. coli Scare
MILWAUKEE, Wisc-The Ozaukee County fairgrounds have been quarantined while officials search for the source of a recent E. coli outbreak that made 10 children sick, with two in possible kidney failure.
Each of the children went to the August 1-5 fair, but health officials say it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of the infection because the fairgrounds are now empty. However, they will remain empty until the source is located. Several upcoming events have been canceled.
Officials at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin are not releasing any information about those children hospitalized, but it has been reported that two are suffering kidney failure. Kidney failure is the most severe effect of an E. coli infection. Diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, and nausea are also common side effects.
Children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at risk.
The infection can be spread from contaminated food or water. People can also be infected from petting infected animals.
There were a variety of animals present at this year's fair, including an exotic pet show and 4-H farm animals.
Information from www.arizonarepublic.com
For more information about the fair, log onto: www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/images/CountyFair/CountyFair.htm
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
IP LifeLine: Layoffs and the Evolving Job Market Landscape for Infection Preventionists
July 11th 2025Infection preventionists, once hailed as indispensable during the pandemic, now face a sobering reality: budget pressures, hiring freezes, and layoffs are reshaping the field, leaving many IPs worried about their future and questioning their value within health care organizations.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
