E. Coli Epidemic Reaches 1,013 Cases

Health officials in Albany, N.Y., said the number of reported cases in the state’s deadly E. coli epidemic had reached 1,013, making it one of the country’s worst such outbreaks. Two people have died and 65 have been hospitalized since the start of the epidemic late last month. Among those suffering were nine children recovering from a severe kidney ailment associated with the bacteria. At Albany Medical Center Hospital, five children remained in serious condition and four were in fair condition. “All nine children suffer from hemolytic uremic syndrome and have been on dialysis on and off since they were hospitalized,” said medical center spokesman Greg McGarry. Investigators have traced the epidemic to contaminated well water.