SEATTLE — Health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak of unknown origin that has sickened seven people in King County.
The first case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, also known as STEC, was reported in December 2021.
Six additional cases have been reported since June 26. All seven cases are linked to people from East African communities, according to Public Health Seattle & King County.
Four people have been hospitalized, including three children who developed kidney complications.
Six people have recovered from the illness, and one is currently recovering.
Health officials say genetic fingerprinting indicates that all seven people have the same strain of bacteria, meaning they likely were infected from the same source.
Public Health is now conducting interviews with those infected with STEC or their parents/guardians, to identify any common exposures and provide guidance to help prevent further spread.
At this time, health officials do not believe this outbreak is related to a multistate E. coli outbreak that is possibly linked to lettuce served at Wendy’s restaurants.