DENVER -- Eight children, between the ages of 4 and 12, have tested positive for the same Escherichia coli bacteria but officials don't know the connection.

The children live, or have been, in the Evergreen area but don't attend the same school, a health official told 7NEWS Friday morning.

Two of the children remain hospitalized as a result of infections from the potentially deadly bacteria.

State and County health officials are investigating deer or elk droppings, along with other behaviors in the Evergreen area where the children might have all come in contact.

The first infection case involving the O157: H7 strain was reported in July and the last case was reported on Oct. 22, health officials said. That strain of E. coli causse disease by making a toxin called Shiga toxin.

Symptoms associated with the strain include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, severe stomach cramps and fever. Most people get better within five to seven days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.