The Milwaukee Channel
WISN TV
MILWAUKEE -- Eleven people have been sickened recently by E. coli in Milwaukee County, 12 News has learned.
Health officials have not said if the cases are related, but said they are searching for a common cause.
Children and adults have both been affected. Five people infected live in Milwaukee. The other six live in other parts of the county.
Authorities told 12 News reporter Brenday Conway they are talking with everyone who has been sick or their family members to see if they can find any link.
Five children have been taken to Children's Hospital. Two have been released, but three remained hospitalized Wednesday night.
E. coli can cause cramping and diarrhea and in some cases, it can lead to serious complications.
E. coli has been a problem in the Milwaukee area. In the summer of 2000, 62 people got sick after eating at two Milwaukee area Sizzlers restaurants. A 3-year-old girl died.
One year later, 25 people became infected with E. coli after going to the Ozaukee County Fair.