Ground Beef Suspected in E. Coli Cases in Vermont

October 13, 2008

Eight people have been diagnosed with food-borne illnesses possibly linked to undercooked ground beef.

Health officials say none of people sickened required hospitalization.

The E. coli bacteria cases were reported in Chittenden and Washington counties and by a visitor who had traveled the state.

Acting State Epidemiologist Patsy Kelso says the Vermont Health Department is trying to track down the source of the illness but has a suspicion about ground beef.

She says all of the people sickened had eaten out but says that doesn’t mean that restaurants are the only source of E coli contaminated food.

The Health Department is warning people not to eat undercooked hamburger. It also recommends avoiding unpasteurized milk, and washing fruits and vegetables.

Source: The Burlington Free Press.