By: Yael Even
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)—Thursday night, the University of Arkansas campus community was notified of an E. coli outbreak across Northwest Arkansas.
University officials released a statement creating awareness amongst students and faculty about an investigation into the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections headed by The Arkansas Department of Health.
In an email sent to students, University of Arkansas said “illnesses have been reported among students.”
“We are aware of a few hospitalizations related to the outbreak,” The email stated. “The University is working closely with public health officials to help identify the source of the outbrea
The outbreak started a week ago, and the university is encouraging students to beware of syptoms.
The email stated to “seek medical attention right away” if you are experiencing severe symptoms, which include:
- Diarrhea and fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, dizziness when standing up
“At this point, our primary concerns are caring for those who have already been impacted and preventing further spread as the bacteria is transmissible,” the email said. “While surface cleaning and sanitizing protocols are in place at the university, we encourage practicing proper hygiene, especially good handwashing, at all times, on and off campus.”
With 31% of the student body a part of Greek organizations, houses on campus are taking protocols of their own.
“Panhellenic is drawing huge attention to this issue as they are wanting to ensure all Greek life members are staying safe and healthy on this campus,” Bo Morton, President of the Chi Omega Sorority said. “Greek house chef, a food and service vendor across campus, is no longer serving fresh fruits and vegetables. Chi Omega, among other sororities, is bringing back their Covid-19 sanitization protocols and taking care of their common spaces.”
According to the Center of Disease Controls, most people get better within 5-7 days with no hospitalization required. \
“As of now we know of 4 people who have been admitted to the hospitals,” Dr. Naveen Patil, Deputy State Health Officer said. “Again this number changes every day. This is a serious illness, it should not be taken lightly.”
“Around 100 people have had some sort of symptoms and we are trying to dissect and make sure this is not related to any other respiratory or gastrointestinal illness,” Patil said.