At least 96 people have been hospitalized and 4 have died in an E. coli outbreak in Guatemala linked to fresh produce. The outbreak, which has affected residents of the town of Santo Domingo Xenacoj in South Central Guatemala, is thought to have originated with contaminated fruits and vegetables, reported the Associated Press Thursday. A male
resident of the town reported that two of his children, ages 9 and 12, had died in the outbreak, according to AP.Specimen taken from the four victims who died linked their deaths to E. coli, said health officials. “We were able to identify the bacteria E. coli and these bacteria grew because of the poor hygiene in the food,” Jose Morales, head doctor of the town’s health department, told the wire.
The town issued a prohibition of all produce sales Thursday, according to Amilcar Zapote of the town fire department.Farmers in the region export avocados, zucchini and sugar peas, said the town’s mayor.
