E.coli At Maine Petting Zoo May Have Killed Toddler

A 20-month old infant died after contracting a deadly E.coli infection during a visit to a petting zoo in Maine.

According to Fox News, the toddler Colton Guay showed symptoms of E.coli infection including diarrhea a week after visiting the zoo. Coulton died of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a condition which causes destruction of red blood cells and subsequent damage to the kidney, resulting in organ failure. Coulton is one of the two toddlers who is said to have contracted the infection at the zoo.

"My son Colton died a week later of H.U.S (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome) which is caused by a bacteria that releases a toxin that attacks the kidneys and other organs. In this case the brain. It is believed that he contracted it through simple interaction with farm animals at a local fair (based on other similar cases). It began with severe diarrhea and ended with massive brain seizures that ultimately took his life," the infant's father Jon Guay said through a Facebook post.

Harmless strains of E.coli are present in bodies of most people without causing illness. However some strains can cause serious illness. Children are more vulnerable to HUS than adults due to underdeveloped immune system.

The Maine branch of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating if the bacteria at Oxford County Fair caused the infections. Laboratory tests earlier found toxins produced by the E.coli bacteria.

"Maine CDC is working with the State Veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to investigate the fact that each child attended the Oxford Fair and visited the animal barns and petting zoo," a CDC spokesman said according to ABC News.