3 children hospitalized after contracting E. coli at Georgia National Fair

PERRY, Ga. — Georgia Health officials are investigating after four children contracted E. coli at the Georgia National Fair near Macon. Three of the children are hospitalized.

The Georgia Department of Public Health said that they identified four cases of the shiga toxin, which infected the children at the fair earlier this month.

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The children are from counties across the state. Their identities and conditions have not been released.

The Georgia National Fair was held from Oct. 7 - 17 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. The fair features livestock competitions, horse shows, pig racing, a petting zoo and more, and attracts more than half a million people every year.

The fair was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

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People can contract E. coli when they come into contact with tiny particles of human or animal feces.

Common infection sources include petting zoos and animal exhibits, swallowing lake water or eating food prepared by people who did not wash their hands after using the restroom.

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Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and mild fever. Very young children are at the risk for the most severe outcomes.

The incubation period is up to 10 days before the onset of symptoms. Anyone that attended the fair can help by completing the following survey: sendss.state.ga.us/survey/form/14259

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