E-Coli Outbreak in US – Is Louisiana on the List?

More concern about an E. coli outbreak in the U.S. that could be linked to lettuce.

The CDC has issued an update on this latest outbreak in several states. But right now, Louisiana is not on the list of states dealing with the problem.

CDC Outlines the Cases of E. Coli in U.S.

Since the last update on August 19, 2022, 47 more illnesses have been reported to CDC.84 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported to CDC from 4 states: Indiana (6), Michigan (53), Ohio (23), and Pennsylvania (2).

38 people have been hospitalized, including 8 people in Michigan who have a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths have been reported.

A specific food has not yet been confirmed as the source of this outbreak, but most sick people reported eating burgers and sandwiches with romaine lettuce at Wendy’s restaurants before getting sick.

Among 62 people interviewed, 52 (84%) reported eating at a Wendy’s restaurant in the week before their illness started. Of 17 people with detailed information about what they ate at Wendy’s, 15 (88%) reported eating romaine lettuce served on burgers and sandwiches. The Wendy’s restaurants where sick people ate are in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

What Is Wendy's Doing About E. Coli Concerns?

Based on the information collected so far, Wendy’s has taken the precautionary measure of removing the romaine lettuce being used in sandwiches from restaurants in that region. Wendy’s uses a different type of romaine lettuce for salads. CDC is not advising that people avoid eating at Wendy’s restaurants or that people stop eating romaine lettuce. At this time, there is no evidence to indicate that romaine lettuce sold in grocery stores, served in other restaurants, or in people’s homes is linked to this outbreak. Investigators are working to confirm whether romaine lettuce is the source of this outbreak, and whether romaine lettuce served at Wendy’s restaurants was served or sold at other businesses.

What You Should Do If You Have Symptoms?

The CDC advises you to contact your doctor if you have severe E. coli symptoms, such as diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days or a fever that is higher than 102˚F. You should also seek medical treatment if you have bloody diarrhea, or experience prolonged vomiting with no ability to keep down foods.

The CDC also advises that you write down what you ate in the week before you got sick and report your illness to your local or state health department.