The Winnebago County Health Department has identified three confirmed cases of Shiga toxin‐
producing E. Coli (STEC), a foodborne illness, in Winnebago County. The three confirmed cases experienced diarrhea beginning May 31. The exact cause of the illness has not yet been determined.

The following are symptoms of E.Coli (STEC) and may be seen with or without a fever:
 Abdominal cramps
 Watery or bloody diarrhea (3 or more loose stools in a 24 hour period)
 Vomiting

Contact your healthcare provider if you have experienced any of these E.Coli symptoms on or after May 21.

Some steps you can take to help prevent E. Coli include:
 Practicing good handwashing
 Following the four steps to food safety when preparing food: clean, separate, cook, and chill
 Washing fruits and vegetables well under running water
 Cooking meats thoroughly and washing hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat
 Avoiding raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products or juices