The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a multi-state E. coli outbreak caused by an unknown food source that has sickened more than a dozen people and killed at least one.
According to the agency, the illnesses have been reported in five states and are believed to have been contracted between Dec. 23, 2020, and Jan. 7. To date, 16 people in Arkansas, New York, Oklahoma, Virginia and Washington have fallen ill, and nine of those patients have required hospitalization.
No recalls associated with the outbreak have been issued, and authorities are still working to identify the food source responsible.
Health officials also cautioned that the number of infected people could increase because it typically takes two to four weeks to link illnesses to a specific outbreak.
According to the CDC, anyone who suspects they might be infected with E. coli should contact their health care provider immediately if they experience diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F, bloody diarrhea, vomiting without being able to keep liquids down or signs of dehydration.
E. coli symptoms typically start within three to four days after ingesting the bacteria, and the majority of people recover without treatment within five to seven days, the CDC stated.
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Cox Media Group
