As of February 25, 2020, 14 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O103 have been reported from five states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 6, 2020, to February 11, 2020. Ill people range in age from 1 to 79 years, with a median age of 28. Sixty-two percent of ill people are male. No hospitalizations and no deaths have been reported. Illnesses might not yet be reported due to the time…

On October 1, 2019, Salt Lake County Health Department launched an investigation into Spitz restaurant, including the location at 3158 E 6200 Street in Holladay, Utah, after two cases with confirmed and matching Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 infections were reported to have eaten there. Both confirmed cases were male and between 20-49 years of age. The health department also identified another ill case who had consumed food from a Spitz location in Utah County.…

Quesos La Ricura LTD. of Hicksville, NY, is recalling 12 oz. packages of Cotija Cheese (Queso Cotija) because it may be contaminated with Shiga toxin producing E. coli bacteria (Shiga toxin producing E. coli). Shiga toxin producing E. coli causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely…

Sprouts Unlimited of Marion IA is recalling clover spouts in 4 oz packages because it may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O103 bacteria (E. coli O103). E. coli O103 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious…

Since the previous update on November 22, an additional 27 ill people have been reported. As of November 25, 2019, a total of 67 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 19 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from September 24, 2019, to November 14, 2019. Ill people range in age from 3 to 89 years, with a median age of 25. Sixty-seven percent of ill people are female. Of…

Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin now report illnesses.  Canada has also reported one likely illness. Since the initial investigation notice, 23 additional ill people have been reported. As of November 21, 2019, a total of 40 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 16 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from September 24, 2019, to November 10, 2019. Ill…

E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with lettuce, specifically the “pre-washed” and “ready-to-eat” varieties, are by no means a new phenomenon. In fact, the frequency with which this country’s fresh produce consuming public has been hit by outbreaks of pathogenic bacteria is astonishing. Here is just a sample of E. coli outbreaks based on information gathered by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Kansas State University, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:…