4th E. Coli case discovered

Thursday, July 25, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

A fourth case of infection with the dangerous E. Coli bacteria has been discovered in Clark County, bringing the total statewide to seven cases since July 1.

A 24-year-old Las Vegas woman complained 10 days ago of severe diarrhea. Her infection with E. Coli was confirmed Wednesday.

The woman lives across town from three earlier cases, including a 6-year-old girl hospitalized with kidney failure.

Health investigators seeking a cause for the E. Coli cases continue to test hamburger, livestock and water sources.

The bacteria, called 0157:H7, causes severe abdominal cramps and watery or bloody diarrhea in severe cases, said Daniel Maxson, senior environmental health specialist with the Clark County Health District.

In children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, the bacteria can damage the kidneys and other organs. The 6-year-old girl is improving at Columbia Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center after being on dialysis for most of the month.

While E. Coli is often found in undercooked hamburger meat, the girl and her brother and a neighbor who all suffered similar symptoms had a number of activities in common. They ate hamburger, drank from the same water supply and the neighbors owned a steer. Maxson said the health district was testing each of those sources.

In the latest case, it was unknown whether the woman had eaten hamburger.