Public Health confirms eighth case of E. coli in Colquitt County disease investigation

The Barbecue Pit, the restaurant that closed voluntarily July 3 at Southwest Georgia Public Health District’s request, remains shut today as disease investigators announced the tally of E. coli patients has climbed to eight confirmed and four presumed cases.

"Although the number of patients being seen at Colquitt Regional Medical Center has slowed down, people are still seeking treatment and in some cases being admitted with bloody diarrhea and other symptoms," said Southwest Georgia Public Health District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant. "To ensure there is no ongoing risk to the public, we are asking the restaurant to remain closed while we continue our investigation."

Disease investigators learned July 4 that a sample from one of the confirmed cases was a match to the Escherichia coli (E. coli) 0157 bacteria strain behind disease outbreaks in Michigan and Ohio. Those illnesses were linked to ground beef.

Results of samples taken from the Barbecue Pit on July 4 may be available Tuesday, Grant said. "We have to wait for the cultures to grow and unfortunately we don’t have any way to speed up that process," she explained. "In the meantime, our epidemiologists and environmental health specialists are taking additional specimens in our continuing hunt for the source of the contamination."

People exposed to E. coli usually begin showing symptoms within three to four days, but the incubation period may be as short as one day or as long as 10 days. "Most people infected with this disease recover without treatment in five or six days," said Grant. "Some people have mild symptoms or no symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms."

Symptoms of E. coli include stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, which is often bloody. A complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) may develop in patients with severe E. coli infections. The Colquitt County disease cluster includes four patients with HUS, Grant said.

She stressed that only a few of the people who ate at the Barbecue Pit (311 First Avenue SE) during the past month have gotten sick.

"People who ate there recently but are not feeling sick should not go to the hospital or seek medical treatment," Grant said.

People who are experiencing significant symptoms, however, such as bloody diarrhea, should avoid self-treatment with over-the-counter anti-diarrhea or anti-nausea medications, she said.

"You need to see your healthcare provider and have a culture done if you are having severe symptoms," Grant said.

The best way to prevent E. coli and other foodborne illnesses from spreading is with good hand-washing and food preparation practices. "Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently," said Grant. "Avoid cross-contamination of counters, equipment and utensils when you are preparing raw meat and vegetables. Cook meat thoroughly. Avoid unpasteurized juices and dairy products."