State investigation finds E. coli in water caused illness among some 550 Gatlinburg zip liners

A cluster of illnesses connected to a Gatlinburg tourist attraction has triggered the Tennessee Health Department probe after clients had diarrhea. At least 550 people at a Gatlinburg area zip line attraction due to an E. coli infection. East Tennessee Region Health Department Assistant Director Gail Harmon said well water samples are en route to Nashville for advanced tests because initial tests showed E. coli bacteria and total coliforms were present in CLIMB Works' water. The Tennessee Department of Health used CLIMB Works online sales records to email 2,901 surveys asking patrons of the business if they became ill after visiting the attraction. Nearly 808 people have responded to the survey, 548 of whom reported illness. Harmon said of the 548 people who reported illness, 505 said they were traveling as part of a group that ranged from two to 30 people. The business says they plan to have swabs taken from its harnesses and countertops to check for anything they might find. @ https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2018/07/10/health-dept-gatlinburg-climb-works-zipline-canopy-tour-patrons-get-tested-after-illnesses/770600002/