CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
Thursday, 12-year-old Jordan McNair checked out of Levine Children's Hospital after battling E. coli for over a month. Just hours after McNair went home, the state announced it would reveal the official source of the outbreak Friday.
More than 100 people were sickened by E. coli after visiting the Cleveland County Fair Sept. 27 to Oct. 7. McNair was one of the most severe cases.
When he strolled out of the hospital Thursday, he said he was surprised by the chill in the air.
"Because when I first got in here, it was still warm outside," said McNair.
Much has changed since he first came to Levine 35 days ago.
"I just know I've been through a lot," he said.
That may be an understatement. At one point, the resilient 12-year-old was on dialysis because his kidneys were failing.
His ordeal started on September 30 when he visited the Cleveland County Fair with his family. He felt sick the next day and gradually got worse. Several other children were also sickened. Two-year-old Gage Lefevers died from his illness.
McNair's family understands how blessed they are to take him home.
"I can't express how grateful I am," said Beth McNair, Jordan's mom. "Everyone at the hospital has been wonderful."
Jordan left the hospital with a smile and a bag of sour cream and cheddar potato chips. He said the first thing he planned to do when he got home was play with his dog.
Health officials will announce the official source of the E. coli outbreak at a press conference scheduled for 1:30 pm Friday in Cleveland County. Stay with wbtv.com for details as soon as they are released.
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