E.Coli infection linked to romaine lettuce claims one life

Sadly, on Wednesday May 2nd , the CDC reported that one person has died in California from the E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Arizona, growing region in the United States.This is the first known fatality from the outbreak.

The CDC also reported 23 additional cases of illness from 10 states, bringing the total number of cases 121 since March. Kentucky, Massachussets and Utah are the new states with reported cases.

There are concerns that the strain of E.Coli identified is particularly virulent and and associated with more complications and hospitalizations.

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Latest: More E.Coli cases linked to Romaine Lettuce

Thirty-one more persons from 10 states  have been reported ill from the romaine lettuce infection, taking the count to 84 cases (41 hospitalizations) from 19 states since the last update on April 18, 2018.

Colorado, Georgia, and South Dakota make up the 3 additional states with cases.

According to the CDC website, age of infected persons range from 1 to 88 years and most recent illness started on April 12, 2018. 

Due to the time between when a person becomes ill with E. coli and when the illness is reported to CDC , illnesses that occurred in the last couple of weeks might not have been reported.

For now, taking necessary precautions and checking the source of your lettuce is strongly recommended.

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Medic-ALL 2018

Outbreak: Eat your Greens, Beware of Lettuce

When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you never blame the lettuce- Thich Nhat Hanh

Fifty-Three cases of Escherichia coli infections across 16 states in the United States, linked to romaine lettuce consumption led to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issuing warnings to consumers last week.

All the  lettuce contaminated with the E.coli O157:H7 strain has so far been traced to Yuma, Arizona and the public are advised not to buy or consume any lettuce except it has been confirmed that it was not grown there. The warning includes whole heads and hearts of romaine lettuce, in addition to chopped romaine and salads and salad mixes containing romaine.

Although no deaths have been reported, 31 of the 53 cases of E.coli infections required hospitalization.  The infected states include Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, Missouri, Louisiana, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Alaska.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a Shiga-toxin producing strain which causes hemolytic uremic syndrome with symptoms of bloody diarrhea, decreased frequency of urination, paleness and lethargy.

Meanwhile, the CDC continues to investigate and monitor the outbreak and more information on the warning and latest updates are available on the CDC website.

https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/

Medic-ALL 2018


Ref: CDC Website