FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — UPDATE: The Arkansas Department of Health held a press conference over Zoom on August 25 about the E. coli outbreak.

The full interview can be found in the video below.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Students and staff at the University of Arkansas have been warned of a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection outbreak in Northwest Arkansas.

An email sent throughout the University of Arkansas states that the Arkansas Department of Health has reported students in the local outbreak.

“We are aware of a few hospitalizations related to the outbreak,” the email states. “…we believe the outbreak started more than a week ago.”

The email states that those experiencing the following severe symptoms should seek “immediate medical attention.”

  • Diarrhea and fever higher than 102°F 
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving 
  • Bloody diarrhea 
  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down 
  • Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, dizziness when standing up 

“Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days,” the email states.

Although the source of the outbreak is unknown to prevent further spread, people in the area should:

  • Practice proper hygiene such as handwashing,
  • Cook meats thoroughly
  • Wash fruits and vegetables well
  • Avoiding raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products
  • Unpasteurized juices

Report any outbreaks to ADH at 501-661-2381.