Based on new information received April 20, the Center for Disease Control expanded their consumer advisory to include all types of romaine lettuce including cut, whole head, and hearts of romaine grown in the Yuma, Ariz. area. Since the exact source of the outbreak has not yet been determined, no recall has been issued and the health department urges an abundance of caution.
While many retailers and restaurants have pulled product or discontinued using romaine, there may still be products with romaine in them that have not been pulled from sale or service. Do not buy whole heads or hearts of romaine and check the ingredients of salad mixes and kits before purchase. In addition, ask food service establishments about the contents of menu items and avoid dishes made with romaine.
Discard pre-cut, whole head or hearts of romaine at home, even if some has been consumed and no symptoms like diarrhea have developed.
Products may not disclose the growing region on the package and may instead list a distributor or home office location. Even if the package lists a state or location other than Yuma, it may still come from that area.
In Montana, there are currently seven confirmed cases linked to the outbreak. Three of these confirmed cases required hospitalization, and two of the confirmed cases were in Missoula County residents. One additional case in Western Montana may be linked to this outbreak and laboratory confirmation is expected early next week.
Nationwide, there are more than 50 cases across 16 states with at least 29 hospitalizations. The investigation on the state and national levels is ongoing and the number of cases is expected to increase. There is an additional suspected case in Western Montana awaiting confirmation at the state laboratory. Results are expected by the end of the week.
E. coli O157:H7 is a dangerous foodborne pathogen that causes severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting and sometimes low fever, less than 101˚F, up to 10 days after exposure. Most people get better within five to seven days. However children and those with compromised immune systems can experience severe illness, complications and kidney failure, which can lead to death. If experiencing these symptoms, please contact a health care provider.
Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Most people with a E. coli O157 infection start feeling sick three-four days after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria. However, illnesses can start anywhere up to 10 days after exposure.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will update information online. For more information and updates visit the DPHHS website at http://dphhs.mt.gov/. For more information about E. Coli O157, visit https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/general/index.html.
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