Marathon County health officials, working in cooperation with the State of Wisconsin, have identified 3 additional cases of E. coli O45 infection linked to Zillman’s Meat Market in Wassau Wisconsin.  The original outbreak investigation revealed at least 4 cases of E. coli O45 infection linked to Zillman’s; the additional 3 cases appear to be amongst Michigan residents who shared Zillman’s products during December. 

Marathon County’s press release, issued today:

Three additional cases of E Coli O45 have been identified as of 1/3/2011. These newest cases were reported in Michigan in December, 2010. Ready to eat smoked meat products were shared with family members causing illness in three more people. The State Department of Health Services assisted in identifying the new out of state cases.

We are advising people to not eat ready to eat smoked meat products from Zillman Meat Market produced between September 30, 2010 and Dec 23, 2010. If you have ready to eat smoked meat products from Zillman Meat Market please do not eat it or share it with others. Ready to eat smoked meat products produced between Sept 30, 2010 and December 23, 2010 should be thrown away, or contact Zillman Meat Market about returns.

The power of good epidemiology.