An epidemiological consideration on the recent outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection in japan

An outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection occurred in Sakai City (Osaka Prefecture) in July 1996. Most of the reported cases were children from elementary schools of the municipality, which seemed to be closely related with the intake of school lunches of particular days. The reported number of EHEC infection in Japan, 1996 reached 10,120 including 12 death cases, and sporadic infections continued in 1997 (2.261 infections [1.576 symptomatic cases and 685 asymptomatic carriers, including 3 death cases], and in 1998 170 infections as of May 15). The responsible foods have not been identified with certainty except for about 40 isolated cases. Continuous epidemiological investigation and observation of food safety are important for the prevention of the food poisoning from E. coli O157: H7 in Japan.