45 people sick from E. coli outbreak, Whatcom health officials say

LYNDEN, Wash. (AP) — The Whatcom County Health Department has updated the numbers of E. coli cases after the recent outbreak at the Milk Makers Fest.

Officials on Wednesday said 23 cases have been confirmed and 22 more are waiting lab results. That's an additional three cases from earlier reports.

Eight people have been hospitalized from the outbreak.

About 1,325 first-graders, plus teachers and parents, from all Whatcom County school districts went to the late-April festival. It was held at the Northwest Washington Fair & Event Center.

Most of those reported ill were first-graders, although some adults and older children also became sick. The main sources for E. coli are contaminated food, water and surfaces, along with contact with livestock.

The health department is still looking for the source of the outbreak.