By: Candess Zona-Mendola of MakeFoodSafe

Image/Robert Herriman

Five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) involving visitors to Grant’s Farm have been reported by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) this weekend. The health agency announced the outbreak just this week.

The DHSS, along with the state and federal departments of agriculture and St. Louis area health agencies, is investigating what specifically led to the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC. At this time, the health agency is investigating the farm and testing its animals to determine the source of the outbreak.

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While the investigation is ongoing, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding its citizens (and visitors to Grant’s Farm) to remember “the importance of washing their hands after having direct contact with animals.” They also recommend that anyone who recently visited Grant’s Farm and is showing the symptoms of E. coli illness seek immediate medical attention.