Romaine lettuce linked to E. coli outbreak

Jan. 06--The Centers for Disease Control, several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to romaine lettuce.

Pennsylvania is one of 13 states reporting illnesses from the bacteria. One case has been reported in the state thus far.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also is investigating an outbreak of a similar strain of E. coli infections in several provinces, according to the CDC. Preliminary results show that the type of E. coli making people sick in both countries is closely related genetically, meaning the ill people are more likely to share a common source of infection.

No cases of E. coli have been seen lately at Lehigh Valley Hospital -- Pocono in East Stroudsburg, according to Emergency Room Medical Director Dr. Colleen Kennedy, although she was familiar with the CDC outbreak report.

Stroudsburg restaurant Willowtree Inn co-owner Kat Nunn said her customers haven't voiced a concern about the reports.

"We've always outsourced from the continental U.S.," she said. "We have a very good early warning system and have dealt with the same purveyors for years. I know the warning system works. I have faith in our suppliers and our customers have faith in us. We know where our products come from."

People with higher chances for food-borne illness are pregnant women, newborns, children, older adults, and those with weak immune systems, such as people with cancer, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS.

Escherichia coli, abbreviated as E. coli, are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals, according to the CDC. E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria and while most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.

Symptoms of this particular strain of E. coli infection vary for each person, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, often bloody, and vomiting. Some people may have a slight fever. Most people get better within 5 to 7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.

Most people with a the infection start feeling sick three to four days after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria. However, illnesses can start anywhere from one to 10 days after exposure.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has identified romaine lettuce as the source of the outbreak in Canada. In the United States, state and local public health officials are interviewing sick people to determine what they ate in the week before their illness started.

Other states that have reported illnesses include California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia, Vermont and Washington, according to the CDC.

The CDC has not yet issued any warnings against the consumption of romaine lettuce or any other food sources. The CDC said, because it has not identified a source of the infections, it is unable to recommend whether U.S. residents should avoid a particular food. This investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released by the CDC as it becomes available.

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