15 Ill in Florida From Disease Possibly Linked to Petting Zoos at Fairs

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBZZIJ2R6E.html

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - State health officials said Friday at least 15 people, including 11 children, who recently visited central Florida festivals have since tested positive for a dangerous strain of E. coli, or a potentially fatal kidney disease caused by the bacterium.

While local health officials have said the cases appeared to be linked to petting zoos at the festivals, state Health Secretary John Agwunobi cautioned the link is not definitive.

Agwunobi said the bacterium also could have been contracted from consuming tainted food or drink, or from some other activity - riding ponies or other animals, petting livestock, milking cows of other situations where people might be close to animals or animal waste.

The 15 people all visited either the Central Florida Fair in Orlando or the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, which were held in early March.

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[NV Whino]

1. Or possibly

the cause is from not washing one's hands after petting the petting zoo and eating the crap from the fair.

[FloridaPat]

2. The animals are probably cleaner than the food.

[NV Whino]

3. You got that right.