Notes from the Field: An Outbreak of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 Associated with a Farming Camp - Tennessee, 2022

Investigation and Outcomes On June 28 and 29, TDH conducted an environmental assessment at farm A. In addition to an onsite interview with the farm owners and employees, the assessment included facility observations of animal pens, public petting areas, areas where children cared for the animals, food service facilities, handwashing and sanitizing facilities, play areas, and toilets. Chi-square analysis was used to calculate odds ratios; 95% CIs that excluded 1 were considered statistically significant. Because the camp’s food and activity schedules did not change between weeks, and no contributing factors were identified in farm A’s food service establishment, neither a specific activity nor food was considered to be associated with illness. Acknowledgments Tennessee Department of Health Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness Food Outbreak Team; Tennessee Department of Health Public Health Laboratory Team; Tennessee Department of Health Environmental Health Team; Nathan Miller, Mark Morgan, University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension; Eric Coffey, Tennessee Department of Health Southeast Regional Office; Mary-Margaret Fill, Tennessee Department of Health.