GOV/MIL More Than 300 Marine Recruits Exposed in E. Coli Outbreak

[KittyKatChic]

The outbreak exposed both MCRD San Diego and the command field's training facilities at Edson Range and Camp Pendleton.

By Cassia Pollock


More than 300 Marine recruits have been exposed in an E. Coli outbreak at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD), confirmed officials Tuesday.

There are reports of E. Coli exposure at both MCRD San Diego and the command field's training facilities at Edson Range on Camp Pendleton.

As of Oct. 31, diarrheal illness has sickened several hundred out of 5,500 recruits currently training, an MCRD spokesperson said. An investigation is underway to determine the source of the E. Coli bacteria.

Some of the cases are infected with the Shiga toxin causing E. Coli bacteria.

“Our immediate focus is identifying, isolating and treating recruits who present symptoms,” said Brig. Gen. William Jurney, commanding general of MCRD San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, in a statement.

In the past week, there were limited cases reported, said the spokesperson. However, the number of cases spiked notably on Monday.

“We are working to identify the cause of the sickness, making sure our affected recruits can return to training as soon as possible and continuing training for recruits not influenced," added Jurney.

Ten recruits are currently hospitalized at an off-base medical facility, said the spokesperson. The other cases are being treated aboard the base.

While the command searches for the source of the outbreak, they will implement the following preventative actions:

• Recruits with E. Coli symptoms will be isolated to prevent spreading the sickness to their peers.
• There will be increased hygiene requirements with an emphasis on handwashing.
• MCRD San Diego will undergo extensive cleaning to ensure proper sanitization.
• Naval Medical Center San Diego's Preventative Medicine Unit will inspect barracks, chow halls and common areas.
• Recruits will receive guidance on how to identify symptoms.

The MCRD will notify families if the outbreak affects a recruit's graduation date due to missed training.

Officials will provide additional updates to keep families informed on Twitter until the outbreak subsides.

Link to original story: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/...Exposed-to-E-Coli-in-San-Diego-454308993.html

NOTE: I have hear through a friend the they have identified the strain and it is pretty virulent . She was also told by her child at the base that the strain has been found in the water supply. She doesn't know if it is one water supply or both.
So many were impacted due to not using bottled water on the bases.

How does the same strain of E. Coli get in 2 separate bases water supply????

 

[KittyKatChic]

300 Marine recruits sick from E. coli

SAN DIEGO - An outbreak of diarrheal illnesses, including cases of E. coli infection, has sickened about 300 Marines-in-training at Marine Corps Depot San Diego along with some personnel at Camp Pendleton over the last week, base officials announced Tuesday.

Among the patients, 10 were admitted to an off-base hospital, and the remainder were being cared for at military medical facilities.

Normal training regimens are continuing as scheduled at the 5,500- recruit military training station adjacent to Lindbergh Field, according to the base's public-affairs office. The source of the outbreak is under investigation.

"Our immediate focus is identifying, isolating and treating recruits who present symptoms," said Brig. Gen. William Jurney, commanding general of MCRD San Diego. "We are working to identify the cause of the sickness, making sure our affected recruits can return to training as soon as possible and continuing training for recruits not influenced."

The rash of illnesses, including some at a training facility on the grounds of Camp Pendleton, began six days ago, with a spike in cases reported Monday, according to Marine Corps officials.

USMC officials have instituted the following preventative actions in response to the infections:

-- Separation and treatment protocols isolating recruits with symptoms and limiting interaction with unaffected recruits;

-- Increased hygiene requirements, focusing particularly on hand washing;

-- Enhanced cleaning to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene in all areas;

-- Increased inspections of barracks, cafeterias and common areas by the Naval Medical Center San Diego Preventative Medicine Unit; and

-- Dissemination of guidance on identifying symptoms to allow for proactive and prompt treatment for potential patients.

Family members will be contacted by the command if a recruit's graduation date changes due to missed training resulting from sickness, base officials said.

Original article at link: http://fox5sandiego.com/2017/10/31/300-marine-recruits-sick-from-e-coli/

 

[fairywell]

Still trying to determine cause of the contamination, that is Scary, especially if it is in the water supply.

It will be interesting to see what the cause of the contamination is, I hope they figure that out soon.

 

[Sentinel]

My son is currently in US Marine Corp basic at MCRD/Pendleton. We are looking forward to his next letter, hoping everything is OK.