CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. — A Cleveland County family is relieved to learn about changes to this year's North Carolina State Fair.
Hunter Tallent is enjoying his summer, but still dealing with the effects of the E. coli infection he contracted at the state fair last year.
“He is still on medication to help with his kidneys,” said his mother, Lindsay Tallent. “He does have nightmares sometimes at night still, from being in the hospital.”
More than two dozen people got sick last year after visiting the building that houses sheep, goats and pigs.
Hunter's parents said they are glad the state is now taking measures to prevent E. coli-related illnesses.
“It was about time,” said father Doc Tallent.
This year, there will be barriers to keep people farther away from the animals.
They will also move food vendors farther away from the animals so people aren't touching their mouths after close contact with livestock.
“I think it will be a good thing,” Doc Tallent said.
The hand-washing stations will also get better lighting and larger signs in hopes of encouraging fair visitors to use the sanitizer, soap and water provided.
“We have learned a lot over the situation that happened with him, and I think it's good to educate everyone else, as well,” Lindsay Tallent said.
While the Tallents applauded the changes at the state fair, they said this year, they are not going.
WSOC
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