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At least 37 people are sick as a result of an E. coli epidemic.
Thus far, the outbreak has resulted in ten hospitalizations.
The cause of the outbreak is unknown to experts.
The epidemiology of an E. Coli outbreak that is sweeping the Midwest is being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of August 17, the most recent investigative reportTrusted Source states that there have been 29 illnesses, 10 hospitalizations, and 0 deaths documented.
As of right now, cases have been documented in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Health professionals advise properly cooking meat and completely cleaning all foods and countertops to prevent illness.
This outbreak is linked to a specific subtype of E. coli that can induce vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If someone thinks they may have this infection, they should get medical help to be sure and receive supportive care.Infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, told Healthline.
Information regarding E. Coli outbreaks
22 out of the 26 persons that health officials interviewed had recently eaten at Wendy’s the week before they fell ill, according to an update released by the CDC on August 19. According to officials, the majority of ill patients claimed to have eaten a romaine lettuce sandwich at the eatery.
The CDC reports that Wendy’s is eliminating the romaine lettuce used in sandwiches in that area and is adopting preventative measures. Since salads employ a different variety of romaine lettuce, they are unaffected.
The CDC made it clear that neither stopping to eat romaine lettuce nor going to Wendy’s restaurants is their recommendation.
The majority of E. Coli strains are not harmful, however some strains are capable of producing a toxin known as Shinga toxin.
These strains, often referred to as Shiga toxin-producing E. coliTrusted Source (STEC), are found in the intestines of a variety of animals and can be passed from one person to another through the consumption of contaminated food.
Every year, over 265,000 STEC infections take place in the US. The CDC estimates that STEC results in 3,600 hospital admissions as well as 30 fatalities every year.
A case cannot usually be traced back to an outbreak in a few weeksTrusted Source. Since many patients with E. coli infections do not seek medical attention, it is possible that many cases go unreported during an outbreak.
Adalja notes that it might take a few weeks to identify the food supply responsible for the present outbreak.
According to North Haven, Connecticut emergency physician Dr. Nupur Garg, there are instances when the cause of an E. coli outbreak remains unidentified.
According to Garg, contaminated meat and produce are frequently the cause of E. Coli epidemics.
The final cause is typically food product contamination from feces. This might be a fruit, ground meat, or vegetable of some kind, adds Adalja.
signs and symptoms of an infection with E. Coli
Most individuals who contract an E. Coli infection become better in about a week.
Abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea—which could be bloody—are typical symptoms.
According to Garg, symptoms often appear two to five days after consuming a contaminated food source.
Garg says it’s critical to maintain proper hydration. Some patients might require hospital admission in order to receive IV hydration and manage their symptoms.
Pregnant women, older persons, immunocompromised individuals, and children under five years old are more likely to contract a foodborne disease.
Kidney failure, potentially requiring dialysis, is a complication of STEC 0157 infection, which affects 5 to 10% of individuals.
A tiny minority of patients who experience this renal problem may have lasting kidney damage, but the majority recover in a matter of weeks.
How to prevent contracting E. Coli
The transmission of E. coli can be stopped by practicing excellent hygiene, which includes frequent hand washingTrusted Source.
Harmful germs can also be eliminated by fully cooking meats and washing fruits and vegetables, according to the CDCTrusted Source.
At 160 degrees Fahrenheit, E. Coli dies. Cook for long enough to guarantee that the food item reaches that temperature throughout, according to Garg.
Prevent cross-contamination by thoroughly cleaning all counters and food prep areas before beginning any food preparation.
“People should wash fruits and vegetables, eat fully cooked ground beef, and wash their hands when preparing food to avoid contracting this infection,” advised Adalja.
In summary
The CDC is looking into an E. coli epidemic that has resulted in 37 illnesses and 10 hospital admissions across four states. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the outbreak is related to romaine lettuce.
The majority of patients recover from an E. Coli infection in 7 days, although some may need IV hydration, and a small number may require hospitalization due to renal problems.
