WASHINGTON: EDUCATE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY ABOUT E. COLI

          PHILADELPHIA, December 7 – With the recent multi-state outbreak of E. coli, including four cases in residents in Montgomery County, State Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) is urging concerned citizens to become educated on the food-borne bacterial illness.

          “It is important that people educate themselves on just what E. coli is, how it is contracted and what steps you can take to lower your risks of becoming infected,” Washington said.

          This concern comes from the numerous E. coli cases linked to Taco Bell restaurants in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, reported over the last several weeks.

          The Pennsylvania Department of Health is investigating four cases of E. coli in residents in Montgomery County; three of these cases confirmed eating at Taco Bell recently and a fourth case may be linked to a Philadelphia Taco Bell.

          “This may be a scary time for families in Montgomery County, but knowledge is the first step in protecting yourself and your families from this illness,” Washington said.

          Washington is urging residents to visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s website for more information and facts about E. coli at www.dsf.health.state.pa.us.

          E. coli is a bacterial food-borne illness that is commonly associated with eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef or produce, as well as un-pasteurized milk and sewage-contaminated water.

          Symptoms of this illness include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, sometimes vomiting or fever and occasionally kidney failure.

          Most people recover without antibiotics or other specific treatment in about a week, although infants and the elderly are most susceptible to severe cases. Anti-diarrhea medicine, like Imodium, should not be taken.

          E. coli can be diagnosed by detecting the bacterium in a person’s stool, and can be spread through person-to-person contact if the infected person does not use hygienic practices like thorough hand washing after using the bathroom.

          “This is a preventable and curable illness if caught and treated early, if you believe you or a family member have contracted E. coli, please seek immediate medical attention,” Washington said.