Enterohemorrhagic E. coli
in Washington State
The Washington State Department of
Health (DOH) receives approximately 130–240 reports of EHEC
each year. E. coli O157:H7 was first identified
in Washington in 1986 during outbreaks in Seattle, Spokane,
and Walla Walla. Sources implicated in E. coli
O157:H7 outbreaks in Washington have included animal
exhibits, beef, lettuce, raw milk, and recreational water.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
-
To determine if there is a
source of infection of public health concern (e.g.,
contaminated ground beef) and to stop transmission from such
a source.
-
When the source of infection
appears to pose a risk to only a few individuals (e.g., a
private water supply), to inform those individuals how they
can reduce their risk of exposure.
-
To assess the risk of the case
transmitting infection to others, and to prevent such
transmission.
-
To identify outbreaks and other
undiagnosed cases.
Legal Reporting Requirements
-
Health care providers:
immediately notifiable to local health jurisdiction.
-
Hospitals: immediately
notifiable to local health jurisdiction.
-
Laboratories: identification
of Shiga toxin-producing organism notifiable to local health
jurisdiction within 2 workdays; submission of stool specimen
or isolate to the Washington State Department of Health
Public Health Laboratories required.
-
Local health jurisdictions:
notifiable to DOH Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section
within 7 days of case investigation completion or
summary information required within 21 days.
Last update
September 2007 |
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