First Reported Outbreak of Persistent Shiga Toxin-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> O157:H7 Strain REPEXH01: Environmental Investigation of Untreated Recreational Water, 2017

The severe illnesses associated with outbreaks of virulent pathogen strains like REPEXH01 are more likely to be detected. Conducting environmental investigations in response to these reoccurring outbreaks allows for the collection of incremental evidence about the patterns of transmission and sources of consequential pathogens and strains. Such information can provide critical insights for mitigation strategies to interrupt ongoing transmission and prevent future outbreaks.