Brooke Cain of the Raleigh News & Observer writes that one of the children affected by an outbreak of E. coli O157 is now out of hospital after a two week stay.

27-month-old Hunter Tallent of Shelby, was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon.

"The hospital told us when he got there that he was within 24 hours of dying," his grandmother said. "But he bounced back. It took awhile, and it was a real roller coaster, but he’s much better." Hunter’s father said his son will go back to doctors periodically for check-ups over the next two weeks, but that he was generally in good spirits Thursday.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said a task force will be formed to look at the information gathered by health officials and to determine additional safety steps.

"We’re going to do everything humanly possible," Troxler said. "We recognize there are inherent risks at large public events like the State Fair, but we know we also owe it to fairgoers to do everything we can to minimize the risks and put on a safe fair every year."

Agriculture Department spokesman Brian Long said a hand-washing station was set up just outside the [Kelley Building’s] entrance, and Troxler emphasized that buildings used for animal competitions are cleaned and disinfected each day after shows.  "Our goal is, whatever we ultimately decide can be done, we want it in place by next year’s State Fair," he said.