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LEHI — Utah County officials say there have been eight recent cases of E. coli infection reported in the county, all of which have been linked to Lehi residents.
Each of the cases was reported in the last two weeks, and two of the cases are confirmed as E. coli 0157:H7, according to a statement from the Utah County Health Department.
At least five of the individuals affected have been hospitalized due to severe symptoms, the statement says, and the cases are all either Lehi residents or have "close ties" to Lehi residents.
Epidemiologists are working to identify the source of infection, but it is believed it maybe have come from pressurized irrigation water being used for drinking and play, the health department said.
"This is a critical situation, and I am concerned for the public. I want residents to be aware that pressurized irrigation water should not be used for anyone to play in. No one should drink irrigation water that comes to their home," said Lehi Mayor Mark Johnson in a statement.
The county and state health departments were working with Lehi city officials to gather water samples to investigate the source of the bacteria.
The Utah County Health Department reminds the public drinking or playing in irrigation water can pose a risk due to it being untreated water that can contain harmful contaminants such as E. coli.
People can reduce their risk of infection by being aware of where their water is coming from and not using irrigation water for recreation such as slip-and-slides, inflatable bounce houses, kiddie pools and sprinklers, the health department advises.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include bloody or persistent diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. E. coli can be transmitted from person to person, so the health department urges people thoroughly wash their hands and practice good hygiene.
"You can still play at the splash pads, you can still go to the outdoor pools. Please watch out for any symptoms with yourself and with your young ones," Lehi city communications manager Jeanteil Livingston said.
