A non-expanding cluster of seven likely E. coli O157:H7 cases is being investigated by the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services. Department spokesperson Laura McCasland told Food Safety News that four of the seven who tested positive for E. coli first exhibited symptoms for the pathogen. McCasland said department investigators do not believe they are dealing with an ongoing outbreak. While the source has not yet been identified, they have no evidence that any retail grocery store is involved. Food Safety News first learned of the Sacramento County outbreak from a reader who claims to have two children among the infected individuals. That source said that there are three hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, cases among the seven individuals. HUS involves the abnormal premature destruction of red blood cells and often results from E. coli O157:H7 infections, especially in children. HUS can result in life-threatening kidney failure if those red blood cells begins to clog the filtering system in the kidneys.

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