E. coli cases climb to 11 at Ohio University in Athens as health officials hunt for the source
Photo: Ohio University (file photo)Health officials in Athens County reported Friday that laboratory-confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli have climbed to 11, up from four cases announced just two days earlier — and every case so far involves a student at Ohio University.
The Athens City-County Health Department and Ohio University announced the updated count in a joint statement on Nov. 13, saying they are working together to "identify possible exposures" and determine whether the cases share a common source, as well as whether any ongoing risk remains. No source of the infections has been identified.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, known as STEC, can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with animals, or from person to person, the health department said. Symptoms can range from severe stomach cramps to potentially bloody diarrhea, and some patients also experience vomiting or a low fever. Symptoms usually begin three to four days after exposure, but they can take up to 10 days to appear.
Ohio University said it has stepped up cleaning and disinfection across campus and is conducting walkthroughs of its Culinary Services facilities. Residential Housing staff have also received additional information about E. coli and guidance for students who develop symptoms.
"Keeping our community healthy is a responsibility that we take very seriously and we will continue to share any necessary updates or guidance from the Athens City-County Health Department via ohio.edu/alert as this situation further evolves," Dr. Ken Johnson, Ohio University's vice president for health affairs, said in a statement.
Health officials urged students and members of the broader Athens community to keep monitoring their health and to seek medical care if they develop symptoms. They also advised people to wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water, to stay home if they are sick, and to avoid preparing food for others if they have had symptoms within the last 48 hours.
Seek medical care right away if you have diarrhea lasting more than two days, especially watery diarrhea; blood in your urine or stool; severe abdominal cramps or stomach pain; frequent vomiting or trouble keeping fluids down; dehydration; or unusual fatigue, pale skin and easy bruising, the health department said.
Sources: Columbus Dispatch, "Athens health department investigating at least 11 Shiga E. coli cases at Ohio University" (Nov. 13, 2026, full text verified); Athens Messenger, "Ohio University responds to rising E. coli cases on campus" (Nov. 13, 2026, full text verified); Ohio University, "OHIO Alerts" (Nov. 13, 2026, verified).
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