Risk ongoing in multi-state outbreak of E.coli linked to romaine lettuce

OLYMPIA—Officials at the Washington State Department of Health advised the public to avoid eating romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California growing region. Two Washington cases are now included in the multi-state outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli linked to romaine lettuce from this area, currently under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“E. coli infections can cause serious complications and we want the public to be aware of the ongoing risk,” said Washington State Epidemiologist for Communicable Disease Scott Lindquist, MD. “Especially going into the Thanksgiving holiday, people should make sure to handle food safely and follow advice from the CDC and FDA on this outbreak.”

The latest advisory from CDC and FDA includes all types of romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California growing region, such as whole heads of romaine, hearts of romaine and packages of precut lettuce and salad mixes which contain romaine. Most romaine lettuce products are labeled with the harvest location where they were grown.

E. coli are bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. Although most strains are harmless, some can cause illness by making a toxin called Shiga toxin. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps and blood in the stool. There is usually no fever. If you or a member of your family are having these symptoms, please contact your health care provider right away.