22 E. coli cases now suspected

A Halloween haunted house planned for Oct. 19-20, and again Wednesday, Oct. 31, at the UW Stock Pavilion has been cancelled.

An outbreak of infection with the E. coli bacterium has been linked to a pancake tailgate party held at the facility prior to the Wisconsin vs. Indiana football game Saturday, Oct. 6.

The total number of people believed to be affected so far is 22, according to reports made to University Health Services. Eleven are confirmed as being infected; test results on the rest are pending. The number of confirmed cases includes two children from the community; the rest all are UW–Madison students.

One student remains hospitalized in good condition at UW Hospital and Clinics.

The cases are believed to be part of an isolated incident, says University Health Services epidemiologist Craig Roberts. However, the haunted house would have involved children, who are at greater risk for E. coli infections.

University Health Services and the Wisconsin Division of Public Health are continuing to investigate the source of the E. coli, Roberts says. The results of the investigation will help determine guidelines for future use of the Stock Pavilion.

The haunted house was a fundraiser for two student clubs, Saddle & Sirloin and the Collegiate Future Farmers of America. The Chancellor’s Office will assist the clubs in making up funds lost by the cancellation.

Students who attended the Oct. 6 event and experienced symptoms between Oct. 7-13 should contact UHS, (608) 265-5600. Other members of the community who attended and experienced symptoms should contact their health care provider or local public health agency.

UHS also has information about the disease.

A fact sheet on E. coli O157:H7 is also available on the Wisconsin Division of Public Health.