Marin Health Officials Investigate E. Coli Cases

Three children in Tiburon became ill from a contagious E. coli bacterial infection in Marin County this month, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services said.

Two of the children were hospitalized, one was discharged and the other is in stable condition and is improving, Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis said. The source of the contamination has not been determined.

The children were likely exposed to the bacteria between Sept. 11-15, and Marin County public health officials and the California Department of Public Health are trying to determine if the cases are linked to others outside the county or share a common source.

E. coli infection is caused by eating food containing Escherichia coli bacteria. Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk, health officials said.

Symptoms include abdominal cramps vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes bloody.

Another suspected E. coli case occurred in Inverness, public health officials said.

Public health officials are reminding people to wash their hands with soap and water after changing diapers, using the bathroom and before preparing food or eating.

Safe food handling includes cooking meats thoroughly, and washing hands, counters, cutting boards and utensils after touching raw meat.

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