One dead and many sick in latest food scare in the U.S.

Aug 26 2008

The latest in a series of contaminated food scares from North America concerns a suspected outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) which has left one person dead and seen many more admitted to hospital after eating at a restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma.

The main suspect is E.coli but that has yet to be confirmed by the Oklahoma Health Department and the source of the bacteria has not been identified.

E. coli bacteria can cause serious food poisoning in humans and can trigger stomach cramps, diarrhea, dehydration and in severe cases, kidney failure; most vulnerable are children, the elderly and those whose immune systems are compromised.

Beef is the most common source of E. coli outbreaks, but other foods can also be the culprit including leafy greens, unpasteurized apple cider and milk.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, E. coli infects an estimated 73,000 people and kills 61 a year in the U.S.