CDC: More than 100 have been infected by E. coli outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Wednesday that more than 100 people have been infected in the latest E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce harvested in California.

The CDC said in an update that 35 additional cases of E. coli related to the lettuce have been reported since Nov. 26, when there were 67 cases, bringing the total number to 102. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC are in the midst of an investigation into the outbreak, which has now spread to 23 states and is believed to have originated in Salinas, Calif.

Part of the investigation involves trying to determine whether a common supplier or source of contamination can be identified.

“CDC advises that consumers not eat and retailers not sell any romaine lettuce grown in the Salinas, California, growing region,” the CDC said. “This includes all use-by dates and brands of romaine lettuce from this region.”

The FDA added that it is requesting that the industry “voluntarily withdraw romaine grown in Salinas from the market and is requesting that industry withhold distribution of Salinas romaine for the remainder of the growing season in Salinas.”

Thus far, 58 people have been admitted to hospitals and 10 people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported. The CDC said cases started on dates that ranged from Sept. 24 to Nov. 18.

The Department of Agriculture announced last month that it was recalling more than 75,000 pounds of packaged salad after seven people were hospitalized with E. coli, including two who had developed kidney failure. 

Symptoms of E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.