There is an E. coli outbreak in Southern Utah and this resulted to two deaths. The Southwest Utah Public Health Department confirmed early this week that the two deaths involved children.
Family speaks out
Initially, the two victims were not identified by the health department but one of the families of the deceased kids confirmed their identities. Fox 13 reported that one of those children that died is six-year-old Gabriella Fullerton from Hildale. The other deceased is a close friend of Gabriella, who is a boy. His name was not released and his family did not release any statement regarding his death.
Fullerton died of kidney failure due to contracting the E. coli.
The family of the six-year-old girl also released a statement saying that their entire family is devastated by Fullerton’s death. They thanked those who supported them for the prayers, love, and financial assistance. The Fullerton family also said that their heart goes out to the family of the other child who died from the E. coli outbreak.
Health Department investigating cause of outbreak
It remains unknown what the cause of the E. coli outbreak is but health officials suspect that this came from contaminated food or exposure to an infected animal. Health officials said that the housing complex that Fullerton lived in had diapers in their yard.
The mother of Fullerton decided to clean the diapers as dogs have been around the garbage. After her mother cleaned the yard and came in contact with the dogs, Fullerton got sick.
The mother of Fullerton also got sick. She was able to recover but not her daughter and the young girl’s friend.
The town’s water supply was tested but it came back negative so health officials are sure that the water supply did not cause the E. coli outbreak, ABC News reported.
The outbreak is isolated in the Hildale area. Health officials assured that the outbreak will not expand outside the town and believed it is limited and contained in the Hildale area.
What people need to know about E. coli
E. coli is found in the environment, in foods, or in the intestines of people and animals. The bacteria sometimes causes diarrhea, urinary tract infection, bloodstream infection, respiratory illness and many more. The bacteria spreads when it is exposed to the mouth.
The symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach cramps. To avoid getting an infection, one must wash his or her hands before eating.
