E. coli cases in and around St. Louis up to 22

[October 29, 2011]  ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Health officials are working to determine the source of a St. Louis-area E. coli outbreak that has now sickened at least 22 people.

Nine people ranging in age from 4 to 94 have been hospitalized. KMOX Radio (http://cbsloc.al/u4VnJZ) reports that the illnesses are not believed to be life-threatening.

St. Louis County Health Department spokesman John Shelton says this appears to be a particularly virulent strain.

E. coli are a group of bacteria that can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia. The illness is typically spread through consumption of contaminated food, unpasteurized milk, contaminated water or contact with the feces of infected people.

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Information from: KMOX-AM, http://www.kmox.com/

[Associated Press]

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