CDC Romaine lettuce cause of new E. coli outbreak 3 cases in NJ

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention warned Americans not to eat any romaine lettuce amidst a multistate E. coli outbreak Tuesday.The Center for Disease Control and Prevention warned Americans not to eat any romaine lettuce amidst a multistate E. coli outbreak Tuesday.

No common grower, supplier, or distributor has been identified. Therefore, consumers should throw away any romaine lettuce and restaurants should refrain from serving it, the CDC said. Consumers should also clean out refrigerators where romaine has been stored.

Three of 32 nationwide cases are in New Jersey. Bergen, Mercer and Union counties each have reported one case, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

An additional 18 people in the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario have been sickened by the same E. coli strain.

Symptoms of E. coli include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Some people may also have a low-grade fever.

A nationwide E. coli outbreak this summer resulted in 210 reported cases, leading to 96 hospitalizations and five deaths. Eight of those cases were in New Jersey. Copyright 2018 BridgeTower Media. All Rights Reserved.

CREDIT: Gabrielle Saulsbery