A tragic incident occurred in Tennessee when a toddler lost their life due to a bacterial infection transmitted by goats at a petting zoo. Alongside the child, fourteen other individuals, including parents, contracted the food poisoning bug from the Lucky Ladd Farm in Eagleville, a small town near Nashville, in June 2022.
The two-year-old who passed away was infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which led to a rare kidney infection. Although local news initially covered the case, it has now been officially confirmed in a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC, the goats at the petting zoo could have acquired the bacteria from contaminated surfaces and subsequently spread it to those who interacted with them. The following image provides a visual representation of the outbreak:
A Tennessee farm was the source of an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which came from two of the goats. The outbreak killed one two-year-old child and infected 14 other attendees
According to the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) investigation detailed in the CDC report, the outbreak was caused by the goats at the facility and the subsequent transmission among the camp attendees. The farm had been hosting a three-week-long summer camp for children aged six to ten.
E. coli bacteria are commonly found in the digestive systems of animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and deer. While most strains are harmless, some can result in gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
STEC is usually associated with foodborne outbreaks, with contaminated foods including ground beef, unpasteurized milk, raw produce, and non-disinfected water. It is worth noting that this type of E. coli resides in animals’ intestines without causing them harm. However, E. coli infections lead to an estimated 265,000 illnesses and 100 deaths annually.
The investigation revealed that the attendees became infected with STEC within the first week of the camp. The toddler who lost their life reportedly contracted it from their brother, who also attended the camp. In total, fourteen individuals were infected, excluding the deceased child.
According to the Mayo Clinic, young children and older adults are at higher risk of E. coli-related illnesses, which primarily occur between June and September in the US for reasons that remain unclear. In rare cases, individuals can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure characterized by the abnormal destruction of blood platelets and red blood cells. The child who tragically passed away was reported to have HUS, as per local media outlet KKTV.
Treatment for E. coli infections typically involves rest and fluid intake to prevent dehydration, as there are currently no specific therapies developed for the infection. As for the goats involved in the outbreak, two were euthanized, and the rest of the herd was relocated away from the property. The farm owners voluntarily closed the camp, and plans were made to demolish the goat barn.
The CDC has recommended that health officials educate high-risk groups, such as children, about the potential health risks associated with farm animals. They have also advised establishments like the one in this case to promote hand washing before and after contact with animals.
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