E. coli outbreak spreads to nearly 100 cases in six states; Wendy's probed as possible source
Ninety-seven people have fallen ill and 43 have been hospitalized in an E. coli outbreak across six states.
Officials as of Thursday have not confirmed any specific food as the source of the outbreak. But many people who reported illnesses said they ate sandwiches with romaine lettuce at Wendy’s restaurants in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eleven people have reported illnesses in Indiana, one person in Kentucky, 58 people in Michigan, one person in New York, 24 people in Ohio and two people in Pennsylvania.
All of the cases have been reported since July 26. No deaths have been reported. The sick people range in age from three years old to 94 years old, according to the CDC.
Wendy’s has removed romaine lettuce from its sandwiches at restaurants in the Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania region, the CDC said. The chain restaurant’s salads are made with a different type of romaine lettuce.
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Wendy’s last month told USA TODAY that it was cooperating with public health officials in their investigation and said “as a company, we are committed to upholding our high standards of food safety and quality.”
Health officials are not advising people to avoid eating at Wendy’s restaurants or to stop eating or purchasing romaine lettuce. Businesses also do not need to stop selling or serving foods, according to the CDC.
But people should contact their healthcare providers if they experience severe E. coli symptoms, which can include diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and more.
Most people recover in about five to seven days, and symptoms typically begin three to four days after ingesting the bacteria.
E. coli is typically transmitted to humans via contaminated foods.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: E. coli cases reported in New York, Kentucky; Wendy's removes lettuce
