A routine inspection at Osan Air Base in South Korea has led to the closure of the base exchange food court after potential E. coli contamination was detected in a facility water line, according to Stars and Stripes. The base’s bioenvironmental engineering team conducted the test on Tuesday, with results confirming the presence of E. coli on Wednesday.
In response to the contamination, consumers were advised to boil or avoid using the water from building 965 for drinking, showering, bathing, and washing clothes. At present, it’s believed that no other buildings on the base are affected by the contamination.
E. coli is typically a harmless bacteria found in human and animal intestines. However, certain strains like STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) can produce toxins causing severe sickness. Symptoms include severe diarrhea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever.
To prevent infection, health officials recommend thorough hand washing with soap and warm water, using disinfectants on surfaces, and avoiding food preparation when unwell. Those experiencing symptoms should not return to work, school, or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms subside. Visiting hospitals or care homes is also discouraged during this time.
No illnesses related to this contamination have been reported so far. As a precautionary measure, the base’s Public Health Office recommended closing the food court until the contamination source is identified or all water samples are confirmed safe.
The base Medical Group is actively working to locate the source of contamination by sampling water throughout the exchange and the base’s Civil Engineering Squadron is flushing the water lines to eliminate any remaining contamination. Following this process, additional certification tests will be conducted to ensure water safety.
A 2018 food poisoning outbreak linked to Salmonella contamination at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait sickened five soldiers. The outbreak, which lasted 4 days, prompted the inspection of all dining and medical facilities and a refresher training of food safety practices for relevant personnel.
Although only five cases were confirmed, reports suggest there may have been up to 40 unconfirmed cases. The source of the contamination was not identified but it was suspected that prepackaged foods or external vendors could have been the cause.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “Whether for civilians or military personnel, maintaining safe living and working conditions is not negotiable. Implementing routine safety inspections are key in identifying and addressing potential health hazards quickly.”
