E. coli O157:H7 In Michigan

The outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 that has sickened several Michigan State University students also is being blamed for a number of other cases of illness in the state.

The Lansing State Journal reported yesterday that the strain of E. coli O157:H7 that was recovered from five MSU students matches the genetic fingerprint of the strain that has sickened 13 other people in seven Michigan counties, including five inmates of the Lenawee County Jail.

In addition to the five confirmed outbreak cases at MSU, a further 21 reported illnesses among students at the university are still under investigation.