New outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 likely caused by salad containing romaine and iceberg lettuce

Federal and state officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses thought to be linked to lettuce.

There are 69 confirmed patients from 10 states, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The outbreak announcement has details consistent with those reported by the St. Louis County health department about an outbreak there that has reportedly sickened 105 people who attended two school banquets, two veterans events and a funeral that were all catered by the same company. That outbreak was first reported on Nov. 14.

According to the FDA outbreak announcement on Dec. 5, the broader outbreak involves iceberg and romaine lettuce served at catered events, restaurants and a school. The 69 patients have all been infected with the same strain of the pathogen. The FDA has not reported what states the patients live in.

The FDA’s traceback investigation has found that a blend of iceberg and romaine lettuce from a common supplier is the source of the outbreak. The implicated lettuce appears to be past its shelf life and no longer in the supply chain, according to the FDA.

St. Louis media reported on Dec. 4 that lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms was the probable source of the contaminated lettuce.

“At this time, there does not appear to be any ongoing risk to public health and there is no recommendation for consumers to avoid iceberg or romaine lettuce,” according to the FDA’s outbreak announcement.

Additional details will be reported as they become available.

About E. coli infections
Anyone who has eaten a blend of romaine and iceberg lettuce and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.

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