This webpage is no longer current and is for historical purposes only.

See Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) for up-to-date information.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) June 2019 Outbreak

On June 28, 2019, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported four confirmed, or probable, pediatric cases of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) that may be related to contact with animals at the San Diego County Fair.

As of October 9, 2019, the County investigation of this outbreak has concluded.

  • There were 11 confirmed cases and two probable cases reported in this outbreak. 
  • Three people were hospitalized and one child has died. 
  • The outbreak has been determined to be caused by a specific strain of STEC O157:H7.

San Diego County Department of Environmental Health Food Inspectors conducted investigations of the food booths associated with the reported foods consumed by the ill cases.

  • There were no commonalities between food items and food booths. 
  • Any major violations observed were addressed at the time of the site visit and fixed. 
  • Re-inspections were conducted to ensure those violations remained fixed. 
  • Inspectors also conducted site visits at non-foodborne illness reported booths to conduct focused inspections on sanitizing procedures for consumer counters and self-service condiment containers, handwashing procedures, handwashing supplies, and hot water.

All cases in this outbreak did report visiting the animal areas, which included the petting zoo, or had other animal contact at the fair. Animal and environmental testing conducted to date by the County and State has found no STEC O157:H7 bacteria.

  • This investigation included testing of all petting zoo animals, all pony ride horses, and two cattle from the livestock barn that were present throughout the possible timeframe that the cases visited the fair. 
  • In addition, 32 environmental samples from the petting zoo and livestock barn showed no signs of STEC bacteria.

Data and Reports