BARRE, Vt. (AP) – Two central Vermont children have been hospitalized with apparent unrelated E. coli infections.

A 5-year-old girl from Barre Town and a 3-year-old Randolph girl were being treated for kidney failure and remained on dialysis Monday.

Both children were diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease caused by certain strains of E. coli. Young children and the elderly are most susceptible to the infection.

The severity of the two case was unusual, said state Epidemiologist Patricia Tassler. The sources of the E. coli was unknown, she said.

“It’s concerning and we’re certainly looking into it,” Tassler said. “From what we can tell they are just sporadic, unfortunate cases.”

E. coli infections can be caused by consuming undercooked or rare meat, particularly ground beef, and unpasteurized juices and milk and sewage-contaminated water, fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms include severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps three to four days after exposure.