CDC: 2023 E. coli outbreak in Utah linked to untreated irrigation water

According to a report in MMWR, a 2023 outbreak of Shiga toxin–producing E. coli O157:H7 illness among children in Utah was linked to untreated, pressurized, municipal irrigation water (UPMIW) exposure. The outbreak led to 13 confirmed illnesses; seven patients were hospitalized, including two with hemolytic uremic syndrome. Twelve of the 13 ill children reported playing in or drinking UPMIW. Educating residents of communities with these irrigation systems about the risks of playing in or drinking untreated water could help prevent the occurrence of waterborne illness outbreaks.