A young Selah, Wash. boy is still in the hospital with a severe E. coli infection. The six-year old has been in Seattle for almost two weeks. 

Yakima County has seen an unusual increase in E-coli cases so far this year. The total already matches the last two years combined. Action News spoke to the parents.

“How in the world did my son get E. coli? I’m terrified for my child.”

Doctors told the family Brody has a rare strain of the bacteria that could kill him. Both of his kidneys have failed. The family said he might need a transplant in the future.

Katie Clyde told Action News, “you’re thinking you’re going to be here a week and then the next day you’re thinking okay I’m going to be here two weeks. And then after that, you realize you’re going to be here a month longer. That’s been really hard.”

The Clydes tell KIMA they think Brody came in contact with the E. coli from drinking water from the Naches River while the family was camping or from spinach.

One of Brody’s close friends has also been infected. He ate the same spinach with the Clyde family, but wasn’t near the river. The friend’s case isn’t as severe.

”Two little boys to worry about, not just one,” said Katie Clyde.

Action News talked to the Yakima Health District. Health officials downplay any wider public threat.
They said E. coli can also be transmitted through the air, and it’s possible that’s how the friend got sick.

For now, Josh and Katie wait by their son’s bedside.

”I can’t wait until we get to go home one day,” Katie Clyde told KIMA. 

Health officials said the incidents are too limited to issue a warning. They will take action and start testing spinach if more cases can be connected to the specific product.

Fundraisers are being held to help the Clyde family with expenses.