The Winnebago County Health Department has identified three confirmed cases of Shiga toxin‐ producing E. coli (STEC), a foodborne illness, in Winnebago County.
The three confirmed cases experienced diarrhea beginning May 31.
The exact cause of the illness has not yet been determined.
The following are symptoms of E. coli (STEC) and may be seen with or without a fever:
Abdominal cramps
Watery or bloody diarrhea (3 or more loose stools in a 24 hour period)
Vomiting
Contact your healthcare provider if you have experienced any of these E. coli symptoms on or after May 21.
Some steps you can take to help prevent E. coli include:
Practicing good handwashing
When preparing food: clean, separate, cook, and chill
Washing fruits and vegetables well under running water
Cooking meats thoroughly
Wash hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat
Avoiding raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products or juices