Health officials were investigating Wednesday whether six cases of E. coli-related illnesses were related in any way.
Three cases each were reported in Fairfield and Franklin counties during the past week, 10TV News reported.
Two of the cases were reported in Columbus.
The cases have affected people between the ages of 11 and 74, 10TV’s Lindsey Seavert reported.
Columbus Public Health was working with both counties to determine if the illnesses were connected, 10TV News reported.
The investigation came about two weeks after a 52-year-old Gahanna woman died after being infected with E. coli bacteria.
Health officials called the cases a concern after they dealt with only six cases of E.coli in 2007, Seavert reported.
“We do extensive interviews, try to find any commonalities between all six cases, or a small subset,” said Columbus Health Department Medical Director, Dr. Mysheika LeMaile-Williams. “We are trying to get their food history in the days prior to their illness.”
Symptoms of E. coli illness include abdominal pain and diarrhea. In severe cases, respiratory illness and pneumonia can occur.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
