000418 Beef Blamed for E. Coli Outbreak in MinnesotaApril 8, 2000Minneapolis - Beef in an undercooked casserole caused an E. coli outbreak that sickened 18 schoolchildren and meat from the same batch may have been served in schools elsewhere in the state, health officials said. The outbreak was at Minneapolis' Risen Christ Catholic School, where a casserole of ground beef, pasta and tomato sauce was served March 14, the state Health Department said Tuesday. The students starting showing E. coli symptoms - severe or bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps - between March 16 and March 20. The Health Department confirmed six students were infected by the E. coli 0157:H7 strain and is awaiting test results on 12 other students. Two of those sickened had to be hospitalized. All of the children are recovering or have recovered, Health Department spokesman Buddy Ferguson said. Meat containing E. coli may have been shipped to other Minnesota schools from several processing plants since December, said Carol Blake, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Food and Safety Inspection Service.
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