Sandpoint Woman Hospitalized With E. Coli Source Of Illness Not Yet Known; Reminders Given On Cooking Meat

The Panhandle Health District is investigating a case of E. coli contracted by a Sandpoint woman this week.

The woman has been hospitalized and health officials are trying to trace where she picked up the deadly bacteria.

“We are looking into several avenues right now, but have not determined a source of the illness,” said health specialist Ken Babin. “This is the only case of E. coli we have right now.”

The Health District would not release the name or age of the ill woman, citing medical confidentiality.

The E. coli bacteria is most commonly associated with eating undercooked hamburger. The bacteria also can be transmitted to other foods that come in contact with raw hamburger.

Babin said the Health District has seen very few cases of E. coli in Idaho the past three years. Eleven cases were reported in Boise last October.

An outbreak in Washington in 1993 sickened more than 600 people and three children died from the bacteria. That outbreak was linked to contaminated, undercooked hamburgers.

E. coli causes stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and dehydration, and in more serious cases can lead to kidney failure and death.

“It can be very serious, especially in young children,” Babin said.

The case in Sandpoint was reported to the Health District by the hospital where the woman is being treated. By next week, Babin said he hopes to find out where she contracted the bacteria to make sure it isn’t being spread.

To avoid E. coli contamination, health officials suggest cooking hamburger at high heat and making sure it is well done.

When preparing meat, counters and cutting boards should be washed before other foods are prepared there.

A common mistake people make during the summer is putting barbecued hamburgers back on the same plate where the raw meat sat, health officials said.

, DataTimes