States Report More Cases of E. Coli in Wendy’s Outbreak
Federal officials continue to report 37 confirmed infections in the ongoing outbreak of E. coli linked to romaine lettuce served on burgers and sandwiches from Wendy’s restaurants. State and county officials, however, have confirmed more cases than the official CDC release reports.
As of August 19, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed 43 cases of the outbreak strain. The most recent CDC update, released the same day, reports 15 confirmed cases in that state.
Wood County, located in Ohio, confirmed 22 cases of the outbreak strain of E. coli as of August 22. The CDC update, meanwhile, reported 19 cases in the entire state. Given that the number of cases in a single county exceeds the number the CDC reports for the whole state – which contains 88 counties – the number of Ohio cases is likely much higher than the CDC currently reports.
While the CDC reports no conclusive determination of the source of the outbreak, romaine lettuce from Wendy’s restaurants appears the likely source. “Based on the information available, Wendy’s is taking the precautionary measure of removing the romaine lettuce being used in sandwiches from restaurants,” according to the most recent CDC update.
About E. coli Infection
Symptoms of E. coli infection vary from person to person. Generally, symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), acute stomach cramping, and vomiting. Some infected individuals develop a fever (generally under 101 degrees Fahrenheit).
While symptoms generally begin three to four days after consuming contaminated food or water, some people fall ill as soon as one day or as late as 10 days after exposure. Symptoms generally resolve within five to seven days of onset.