Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release at 4:00 pm
DATE: June 17, 1998
CONTACT: Robert J. Marshall Jr., Ph.D. (401) 222-2231

Department of Health Participating in Multi-State Investigation of Foodborne E. coli:
No increase of cases reported in Rhode Island

Providence, RI: The Rhode Island Department of Health is participating in a multi-state investigation of illness caused by E. coli 0157 bacteria. An increased number of cases have been reported in several northeastern states.

According to Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Director of Health, "There is no increase of E. coli related illness in Rhode Island. We simply want to let the public know what’s going on and to advise them of how to avoid exposure to this bacteria." Dr. Nolan noted that Rhode Island has about 4-10 cases of E. coli related illness each year. "Thus far, one Rhode Island case of E. coli 0157:H7 has been identified which is linked to the consumption of contaminated ground beef bought from a Shaw’s Supermarket in Warwick."

Most illness related to E. coli comes from eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef. Infection often causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Persons with these symptoms should contact their physicians.

Public health officials in Rhode Island are taking several steps to respond to concerns about possible exposure to E. coli. The Department of Health is supporting the voluntary recall of ground beef announced by Shaw’s Supermarkets on June 12, 1998. This affects fresh product with "sell-by" dates of May 9^th to June 6^th, and frozen product with a "sell-by" date up to July 6^th. The Department also alerted emergency rooms and Urgent Care Centers throughout the state to increase their awareness and to advise testing of patients with symptoms. Microbiology labs have been notified to prepare for processing of additional tests. Public health alerts are being distributed to more than 1700 primary care physicians in the state. The Department also is participating in a multi-state investigation being coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through regular conference calls with communicable disease officials in northeastern states.

‘In addition to reassuring the public,’ said Dr. Nolan, ‘we want to tell people how to handle food safely." Important messages include:

• Wash hand frequently to reduce risk of spreading infection
• Cook all ground beef or hamburger thoroughly
• Avoid cross-contamination of food by juices of raw meats
• Children 12 and under may not be served undercooked hamburgers in Rhode Island restaurants
• Consume only pasteurized dairy products.

The Department of Health is hosting a media conference today at 4:00 pm in the Health Policy Forum. The Department will continue to inform the public about additional cases and steps to prevent illness though a daily public health advisory issued at 4:00 pm.

For speech or hearing impaired dial,
1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us