E. coli outbreak among SW Ohio picnic attendees grows to 55 cases; 10 people were hospitalized

7/12/2012
ASSOCIATED PRESS

GERMANTOWN, Ohio — Health officials investigating an E. coli outbreak among people who ate at a southwest Ohio picnic say they've identified more cases, bringing the total to 55.

The illnesses were reported in Germantown, southwest of Dayton. Spokesman Bill Wharton of Montgomery County's health department says 10 people have been hospitalized, though he didn't know their conditions.

The Dayton Daily News (http://bit.ly/POqXmR ) reports the number of cases isn't expected to increase significantly because the normal incubation period has passed.

Those who became ill were among attendees at a July 3 customer appreciation picnic for a lawn care business. Owner Bob Neff of Neff's Lawn Care says he's heartbroken that people who ate at the event became sick.

The bacteria can cause diarrhea, dehydration and, in severe cases, kidney failure.