Health officials link E. coli outbreak to yogurt

OTHELLO — The Adams County Health Department has put out a public health alert following 11 confirmed cases of illness from ingesting yogurt.

An ongoing investigation by the state Department of Health has identified a likely link to an E. coli outbreak to PCC Community Market brand yogurt, produced by Pure Eire Dairy.

Pure Eire Dairy is working with the state Department of Agriculture to identify and recall all affected products in several counties.

"Adams County is recommending anyone who has PCC Community Market or Pure Eire brand yogurt to not eat it, and throw it out," county health spokesman Tim Taff said Monday, May 17.

The confirmed cases of E. coli include six children younger than age 10; counties with cases include Benton, King, Snohomish and Walla Walla.

Seven people have been hospitalized. Three people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication of E. coli infection.

Symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps and blood in the stool. There is usually no fever. People noticing symptoms, especially bloody diarrhea, are urged to contact their health care provider.