The recent outbreak of a new strain of E. coli (STEC O104:H4) in Germany has spawned some concerns among parents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been one confirmed case of infection in the United States and three suspected cases.  Dr. Sandy Arnold, medical co-director of Infection Control and Epidemiology at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, weighs in on the outbreak -- and E. coli -- below.

It is my opinion that people do not need to worry about this particular outbreak – known as STEC O104:H4 – unless traveling to Germany. Of all suspected U.S. cases, the persons had recently traveled to Germany, where they likely caught the infection.

But anyone is at risk for contracting the common strain of E. coli bacteria, which come from cows and anything that could be contaminated with cow feces. Although disturbing, the truth is fecal matter can be present in more areas than you might think. This is the reason why many times vegetables, like lettuce and cucumbers, carry the bacteria. In most cases, the vegetables are in the path of run-off waters from farms that carry waste from cows. However, the highest incidences of infection result from undercooked hamburger meat.

It can also spread from person to person, especially within families. To prevent E. coli infections, families should do the following:

• Always wash your hands. It’s also good to follow the hand-washing with a liquid sanitize.
• Make sure you thoroughly clean produce before eating it.
• Cook all hamburger meat to a well-done temperature.
  

Since February, seven children in Minnesota have come down with measles. The outbreak is being blamed, in part, on parents’ refusal to have their child receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine due to fears of autism.

Typically, children get the MMR vaccine at 12 months of age and another MMR shot at the ages of 4 and 6, with their kindergarten booster shots. For full immunity, both of these shots are required. 

Dr. Sandy Arnold a Le Bonheur Infectious Disease physician, says, “What usually happens is you get an imported case of measles either from a visitor or an American returning from another country. Eventually, it’s stopped because most of the parents living in this modern time of medicine do choose to vaccinate their children against the disease.”

Arnold added, “It’s never too late to vaccinate your child if you haven’t done so. Everyone who is not immune from previous infection (those born after 1957) should receive two vaccinations, at least one month apart.”

If you fear your child could have been exposed to the disease, consult your physician right away. Administering the vaccine within 72 hours of exposure could prevent illness. It is important to note that individuals with the measles are contagious one to two days before showing symptoms.”

She says these outbreaks are proof of why it is so incredibly important to vaccinate. “It saddens me that fears about this vaccine live on despite epidemiologic research from around the world that shows no link between MMR vaccine and autism. My hope is that parents will educate themselves, with help of their physicians, and will choose to protect their children from this and other vaccine-preventable diseases.”

For more information on vaccines and vaccine safety, please go to:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines.