E. coli infections linked to lettuce

Idaho public health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli infections that are linked to a national outbreak affecting at least 10 other states.

As of Friday afternoon, eight Idahoans had become sick with E. coli infections, an Idaho Department of Health and Welfare news release said. All eight report eating romaine lettuce in the 10 days prior to becoming ill. Three people were hospitalized, and two have developed kidney failure linked to the E. coli infection. All hospitalized people were adults between the ages of 20 and 55.

No deaths have been linked to this outbreak, the release said.

Niki Forbing-Orr, public information manager for Idaho health and welfare, said most of the people affected are from the Treasure Valley but others also have been sickened in other parts of the state.

Initial investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and public health officials in affected states indicate that chopped romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Ariz., growing region could be contaminated with E. coli. No common grower, supplier, distributor or brand has been identified yet, the release said.

The chopped romaine lettuce has been consumed at restaurants and at people’s homes. As the investigation continues, public health officials at the CDC and in Idaho are advising against eating pre-chopped romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Ariz., growing region until further information is known.

E. coli O157:H7 is a type of bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, vomiting and low-grade fever.

Most people recover from E. coli O157:H7 infection in five to seven days, but for some the infection can be severe and life-threatening, especially for very young children and the elderly. Anyone who has recently consumed pre-chopped romaine lettuce and has diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps should seek medical attention.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/Ecoli-Idaho.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reports that eight Idahoans have been sickened by E. coli linked to pre-chopped romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Ariz., growing region. The pre-chopped romaine lettuce has been consumed at restaurants and at people’s homes.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare