Dallas County health officials are investigating a cluster of E. coli cases in children that may be linked to the petting zoo at the State Fair of Texas. At least two children are hospitalized in Dallas.
Dallas County Health and Human Services confirmed to FOX 4 that it is lab-testing a cluster of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli cases affecting children of various ages. Officials are interviewing families and examining a possible connection to recent visits to the fair’s petting zoo. The department is not classifying the cases as an outbreak at this time, and neither the illnesses nor a fair link has been confirmed. Doctors alerted the county this week after noting a potential common exposure among patients.
According to CBS Texas, health officials are looking into as many as seven possible cases, with some children requiring intensive care. Families assisted by the nonprofit Parker’s Promise also reported visiting the petting zoo before their children became ill. The State Fair of Texas said the health and safety of guests is its top priority and that it is prepared to work with public health authorities, though it has not received official notification of the reports.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe illness, especially in young children. Health officials continue to gather lab results and conduct interviews as the investigation proceeds. No deaths have been reported.
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