E Coli in Utah raises concerns about petting zoos and corn mazes

 Utah public health officials are investigating an increase in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections across the state, and while the source of the infections has not been identified, several infected individuals reported visiting petting zoos, corn mazes and farms. Since Oct. 1, there have been 20 cases of the toxin-producing E. coli infections reported statewide, primarily along the Wasatch Front and in the central and southwest regions, according to a statement released Thursday by the Utah Department of Health.The ages of those infected range from 10 months to 71-years-old, and 11 of the cases involved children under the age of 18.No deaths have been reported, and six have been hospitalized, while the agency is working with local health departments to determine the source of the infection.