WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Center for Disease Control is sounding the alarm regarding a rapidly spreading E. coli outbreak.
Currently, 29 people in two states have documented illnesses related to the bacteria, but the actual number of people infected, officials say, may be higher. A spokesperson for the CDC said, “Michigan and Ohio have both reported large increases in the number of E. coli infections in their states. Some of these illnesses have not yet been reported to the PulseNet system, but investigators are working quickly to add them to PulseNet to determine if they may be part of this outbreak”.
One woman in Vinton County recently tested positive for E. coli. Her case, like others, has not been linked to a conclusive source at this time.
The government health agency released a statement Wednesday saying, “CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are collecting different types of data to identify the food source of a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. So far, illnesses have only been reported from Michigan and Ohio. A food has not yet been identified as the source, and this investigation is ongoing.”
What are the symptoms of E. coli?
Leading healthcare providers say that symptoms usually begin 3 to 4 days after ingesting the bacteria and typically include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
Most individuals recover within a week, but some, according to the Mayo Clinic, require hospitalization.
The Cleveland Clinic offers some tips on how to prevent being infected by E. coli.
When thawing meats:
- Don’t defrost frozen meat unwrapped on the counter.
- Keep frozen meat in a separate plastic bag (for example, a plastic grocery bag) when thawing.
When prepping food:
- Don’t rinse the meat before cooking. It’s not necessary. Washing the meat could spread bacteria to nearby surfaces, utensils, and other food.
- Use a plastic or ceramic cutting board to cut raw meat. These materials can be cleaned more easily and thoroughly than wooden cutting boards.
- Don’t “cross-contaminate” a prepping surface. If you had raw meat or chicken on a prepping surface, such as a cutting board, wash it thoroughly with soap and hot water before putting another type of food (such as a raw vegetable) on it. Better yet, use different cutting boards for the foods you are preparing.
- Rinse all raw fruits and vegetables under cold running water before eating them. It’s OK to scrub firm produce but don’t use detergent or soap.
Story updated to reflect additional information.