The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta updated how many people have been sickened by romaine lettuce grown in Salinas, California, saying the number is now 102, up from just 40 in the previous report.
Reports of infections by the strain of E. coli O157:H7 now appear in 23 states, up from 19.
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So far, 58 hospitalizations have been reported, and 10 people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure, the CDC reports. No deaths have been reported.
Although preliminary investigations have traced the lettuce to Salinas, no common grower, supplier, distributor or brand of romaine lettuce has been identified, the CDC said.
If you have romaine lettuce or packaged foods containing romaine at home, look for a label showing where the romaine was grown. It may be printed on the package or on a sticker. If it says “grown in Salinas” throw it away. If it isn’t labeled with a growing region, throw it away. If you don’t know if the lettuce is romaine or whether a salad mix or wrap contains romaine, throw it away.
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There have been no illnesses in Georgia, but with so many traveling for the holidays, it’s worthwhile to check which states have reported exposure to E. coli.
Arizona: 3 cases
California: 4 cases
Colorado: 6 cases
Florida: 1 case
Idaho: 3 cases
Illinois: 1 case
Iowa: 1 case
Maryland: 4 cases
Michigan: 1 case
Minnesota: 3 cases
Montana: 1 case
Nebraska: 1 case
New Jersey: 7 cases
New Mexico: 2 cases
North Carolina: 1 case
Ohio: 12 cases
Oregon: 1 case
Pennsylvania: 8 cases
South Dakota: 1 case
Texas: 4 case
Virginia: 4 cases
Washington: 2 cases
Wisconsin: 31 cases
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