Oklahoma Counties Battle Mystery Illness

There is an illness plaguing Caddo and Custer Counties, but state and federal health officials don’t know what is causing it. It has been four months since we first told you about a mysterious illness making the rounds in Caddo and Custer Counties.

Some of the symptoms families have told us they experienced were headaches, weakness, and a lot of vomiting, lasting longer than the 24–48-hour bug.

Four of the five members making up the Soto family fell victim to this mysterious illness.

"Whenever you stay up with your child until three, almost four in the morning, and she can't throw up anymore, I mean it was emotional," said Soto.

It's a similar story for other cases, too.

So far, health officials are confirming 53 cases across two Oklahoma Counties.

Of those, more than a quarter had to be hospitalized. 

Four others also developed a severe disease affecting the kidneys and blood clotting system.

"We did multiple epidemiological studies as well as environmental studies. Sometimes, we cannot find a source," State Epidemiologist Jolianne Stone said.

She says the investigation started in the Hydro and Weatherford area last fall. 

The CDC is also involved. But so far, they haven't identified a single food, water, or event causing it.

"What we are going to do is continuing to monitor the situation. Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli are reportable state conditions, so when we get a report, we do an investigation," said Stone.  

The OSDH recommends to further reduce the risk of exposure to possible illness, the community practices good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water:

1. • Before and after preparing food.
2. • Before eating.
3. • After using the toilet.
4. • After handling animals, their food, or their environment.
5. • After coming in from outside.