CDC investigates mystery E. coli outbreak affecting 5 states

CDC investigates mystery E. coli outbreak affecting 5 states
Electron micrograph of E. coli. Photo: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(HealthDay)—U.S. health officials say they are investigating an outbreak of E. coli gastrointestinal illness that's already affected 72 people across five Eastern states.

The origin of the foodborne illnesses remains unknown, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said late Friday.

"The investigation is still ongoing and a specific food item, grocery store, or restaurant chain has not been identified as the source of infections," the CDC said in a statement. States affected are Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia.

Cases of illness first began to be reported March 2, and the last reported case occurred March 29. Although no deaths have been reported, "of 47 people with information available, eight have been hospitalized" because their cases have been so severe, the CDC said.

This outbreak has been linked to the E. coli O103 strain of bacterium, and the CDC says people typically get sick within three to five days of eating E. coli-contaminated food.

"Most people get diarrhea (often bloody), severe stomach cramps and vomiting," the agency said. "Most people recover within a week, but some illnesses can last longer and be more severe."

There are ways you can protect yourself, however. Be sure to wash hands while preparing food, and cook meats thoroughly.

"To kill harmful germs, cook beef steaks and roasts to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit and allow to rest for three minutes after you remove meat from the grill or stove," the CDC advises. "Cook ground beef and pork to a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit."

Also, "wash hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat," the agency said.

More information: There's more on E. coli at foodsafety.gov.

Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Citation: CDC investigates mystery E. coli outbreak affecting 5 states (2019, April 6) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-04-cdc-mystery-coli-outbreak-affecting.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Arizona romaine lettuce tied to nationwide E. coli outbreak: CDC

3 shares

Feedback to editors