E. coli case being investigated at Lovelock Correctional Center

Public health officials are investigating a case of E. coli at the Lovelock Correctional Center, the Nevada Department of Corrections said Thursday.

Besides the confirmed case at the prison about 100 miles northeast of Reno, there are two suspected cases of E. coli being examined, the department said in a news release.

Corrections officials contacted the state's Division of Public and Behavioral Health to investigate the cause and sent samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing, the release said.

"No other inmates or anyone in the general public have been reported as showing symptoms of or have been suspected of having E. Coli in Nevada," the release said.

E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a bacteria that affects the intestines, with certain strains causing severe abdominal pains, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. It can be spread by several different causes, including contaminated food or water or contact with fecal matter.

Contact reporter Colton Lochhead at clochhead@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638. Find him on Twitter: @ColtonLochhead