State health officials have determined that the source of the E. coli outbreak came from the Kelley Building at the State Fair.
The Kelley Building is one of the permanent buildings where sheep, goats, and pigs were housed and competed in livestock show.
NBC-17 was the first to report a direct link to goats at the State Fair and the E. coli outbreak. A family of six in Sampson County who was diagnosed with E. coli reported they visited the goats while attending the State Fair.
The N.C. Division of Public Health says 27 individuals were identified as having contracted E. coli after attending the State Fair in October.
State Epidemiologist Megan Davies said the illness is likely related to animal contact, however the study did not implicate any specific animal or breed. Health officials say no other exhibits, foods or activities were linked to the E. coli infections.
“We know that E. coli 0157 is often found in the intestines of ruminant animals, which include cows, goats and sheep,” Davies said. “These bacteria are shed in the animal’s feces, so if it is on the animal itself or surfaces around the animal that someone touches, the bacteria can be transmitted to that person.”
After this outbreak, State Fair officials say they'll be looking for ways to continue to protect fair goers.
“From the beginning of this investigation, we have been focused on finding answers about why these illnesses occurred,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Using the information gathered by our Public Health partners, we can begin to assess whether additional safeguards can be put in place. Our goal is to put on the safest fair we can.”
This isn't the first time the State Fair has been linked to an E. coli outbreak.
In 2006 there were three E. coli cases linked to the State Fair. Officials believe it was tied to a pita stand. In 2004, 108 cases of E. coli were reported, all linked to the petting zoo at the State Fair. After the 2004 outbreak, Fair officials installed hand-washing stations with sinks, soap and water around the petting zoo and near animal exhibits.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria live in the intestines of healthy people and animals, according to the Mayo Clinic, and people can be exposed via contaminated ground beef, contaminated water, person-to-person contact or contact with animals.
Young children and older adults are at higher risk of experiencing illness caused by E. coli and more serious complications.
Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 include bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps and vomiting. Symptoms appear two to 10 days after exposure.
In an interview, NBC-17 asked fair manager, Wesley Wyatt: "Whats to say this won't happen again,"?
He replied: "I don't think there is a guarantee that something like this could never happen again. We are taking additional steps as well as we can [to make sure this doesn't happen]."
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