Seven cases of E. coli-related illness have been reported recently in the Stephens County area, public health officials said.

Georgia Department of Public Health District 2 spokesman Dave Palmer told the Independent Mail the cases all have appeared in the past couple of weeks.

“At this time, we know that it is the most common type of E. coli we see, and it is not uncommon for us to see cases of E. coli,” Palmer said. “But to see a large number like this, it is a little uncommon.”

Officials are investigating the cases.