(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - According to Alaska officials, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses likely linked to the consumption of romaine lettuce.

The Centers for Disease Control is reporting that 32 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection have been identified in residents of 11 states since early October; 13 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. According to the Alaska Deptartment of Health & Social Services and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, no cases have been detected in Alaska as of this date.

Because details about specific romaine lettuce distributors or producers are not yet known, the The Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration recommend that people should not consume any romaine lettuce until further information can be obtained. This includes whole head romaine, precut lettuce, hearts of romaine in bags and mixed salads that contain romaine. Retailers and restaurants should not offer for sale or serve any romaine until more is known about this outbreak.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Occasionally, more serious complications can occur, including kidney failure and death.

According to Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services, Alaskans should talk to a health care provider if they have symptoms of E. coli infection.

On the Web:

Centers for Disease Control - Ecoli Informaiton: 

Food & Drug Administratiaon: Recalls - Outbreaks

 

Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Deptartment of Health & Social Services
www.dhss.alaska.gov

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
www.dec.alaska.gov

Centers for Disease Control
www.ced.gov

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
www.fda.gov

 

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