Maine CDC says E. coli investigation will take several days

A petting zoo and animal barns at a Maine county fair are being investigated after two children who visited the fair were infected with E. coli, health officials said.

Jon Guay, Colton’s father, posted on Facebook that he and his wife, Beth, accompanied their son to the hospital after he suffered from severe diahrrea and then massive brain seizures that eventually claimed his life.

He said the only common denominator between his son and the other boy is that they both went to the petting zoo at the Oxford County Fair in September.

Lab tests revealed the presence of toxins associated with E. coli in both children.

A Maine family is grieving the loss of their toddler after they say he was exposed to a deadly strain of E. coli at a county fair.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is caused by a bacteria that releases a toxin that attacks the kidneys and other organs.

Fair officials said Tuesday a state veterinarian will investigate the health of its animals. I am relieved to know that he is in a better place free from any further pain or suffering’.

Guay said his son had never been sick a day in his life.

“As the agricultural fair season winds down, it’s important that those who are exposed to animals and their environment wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water”, a CDC spokesman said in a statement.

She also says the office ensures the fairs have plenty of visible signage to remind people to wash their hands if they come in direct contact with animals.

Symptoms mostly involve the gastrointestinal system with problems including severe diarrhea and vomiting. The state had between 20 and 33 cases of E. coli every year from 2010 to 2014.