Three people are now hospitalized after an E.coli outbreak in Livingston County. We also learned Tuesday that the number of people affected could grow.
There are seven confirmed cases of the bacterial illness, but 10 others have reported symptoms to the Livingston County Health Department and are being tested.
The first cases of the illness were reported on August 6. The most recent was reported this past weekend.
Health Officials are still working to confirm the source of the bacteria.
They are interviewing all seven of those infected, as well as food handlers at two establishments. They also tested water at a private home and two businesses, but found no evidence of the bacteria.
Those infected all live in Livingston County, so the health department is doing an extensive food history to find out what they may have done in common to be exposed to the bacteria.
The health department is also investigating to see if the contamination occurred on site at one of the establishments, or if it happened during processing.
E.coli is a bacterium that causes gastrointestinal symptoms. In most cases they are not severe, but sometimes this can lead to kidney failure.
Patricia Tallman-Lyman is praying for a friend of her family who is hospitalized with the infection. Tallman-Lyman tells us the young mother in her late 20's is seriously ill and in intensive care in the hospital.
Tallman-Lyman says: "Reality hits home when sickness like this happens."
She also tells us: "They've given her most of the medications they can, now it's up to her strengths and prayer, she is a very ill girl."
E.coli can be caused by contaminated water or food, undercooked meat, or unpasteurized dairy products, as well as improper hand washing.
