Outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections among children associated with farm visits--Pennsylvania and Washington, 2000.

During the spring and fall of 2000, outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections among school children in Pennsylvania and Washington resulted in 56 illnesses and 19 hospitalizations. Illness was associated with school and family visits to farms where children came into direct contact with farm animals. This report summarizes the findings of investigations of these outbreaks (Figure 1) and includes strategies to reduce the transmission of enteric pathogens from farm animals to children.