BOONE COUNTY, MO. -- The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory has confirmed 4 cases of E. coli in Boone County.

4 of 5 samples were confirmed after 5 people were suspected of having the illness.

4 confirmed cases of E. coli in Boone County in a little over a week has health officials wanting people to be cautious about their food.  There are several things you can do to protect yourself against the illness.

Health Department Spokesperson Geni Alexander said, “Cook your meat thoroughly and properly.  Handle it properly.  Avoid cross contamination.  Thoroughly wash your fruits and vegetables and wash your hands.”

E. coli symptoms include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and nausea.  Boone County Authorities cannot link their cases to a recent outbreak in the St. Louis area where authorities suspect people got sick from eating at a Schnuck’s salad bar.  Boone County Environmental Health Inspectors are watching local restaurants and other food service establishments very closely to reduce the amount of E. coli cases.

Boone County Health Officials cannot link any of their cases to a common source at this time.

Investigators continue to explore all possibilities.