RIGA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- An outbreak of a dangerous Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection in Latvia, first reported on Monday, has so far sickened 53 people, including seven adults, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) said on Thursday.
According to the CDC, cases of E. coli have been confirmed in 28 schools, 26 preschool institutions, and two elementary schools across the country.
The Children's Clinical University Hospital in Riga has treated 28 children for the infection. As of Thursday, 12 of them had recovered and were discharged, while 16 remained hospitalized, including four in intensive care.
Epidemiologists have not yet identified the source of the infection. After extensive laboratory testing and contact tracing, investigators assume the outbreak may be linked to contaminated food products. However, the CDC also did not rule out a mixed-source outbreak, possibly involving a product contaminated with multiple pathogens.
The CDC explained that Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are normally present in the intestines of both humans and animals and are typically harmless. However, certain strains -- known as STEC or VTEC (Shiga toxin or verotoxin-producing E. coli) -- can produce dangerous toxins that cause severe illness.
These strains can lead to bloody diarrhea and, in some cases, acute kidney failure requiring intensive care. Herbivorous animals, particularly cattle, are the main reservoir of these harmful bacteria.
Latvia reported 42 cases of E. coli infection last year. ■
