Lane County (Oregon) Fair E. coli Outbreak

The largest E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Oregon state history occurred during the Lane county Fair in August, 2002. Approximately 82 people became sick, with 74 confirmed and 8 presumed cases tied to the outbreak. Nearly two-thirds of the cases involved children under 6 years old. 22 children were hospitalized, and 12 of these developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a potentially deadly complication of an E. coli infection. Following an extensive investigation by Oregon Health Services, the outbreak was traced back to attendance at the Lane County Fair. The outbreak was further traced back to the goat and sheep exposition hall at the fairgrounds.

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• Tests suggest E. coli spread through air

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• Probe ties E. coli to sheep, goat barns

• Family hanging on lab results

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