At least 20 people have been infected with E. coli O157:H7 in Colorado, and that number is expected to grow. The illnesses have been linked to the National Western Stock Show, held in Denver in January. 16 of the 20 sickened attended the show, and investigators are trying to determine the infection vehicle – food, water, or animals. Health Department officials are doing a lot of outreach to make sure that anyone who exhibits symptoms of E. coli infection – abdominal pain and cramps and diarrhea that turns bloody – seek medical attention immediately. E. coli infection can lead to severe illness in the very young, and can be passed to others in the household.

For more information E. coli and animal contact, see www.fair-safety.com.