FDA Warning on Serious Foodborne E.coli
O157:H7 Outbreak
One Death and Multiple Hospitalizations in Several States
September 15, 2006 - The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is issuing an alert to consumers about
an outbreak of
E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states that may
be associated with the consumption of produce. To date,
preliminary epidemiological evidence suggests that bagged
fresh spinach may be a possible cause of this outbreak.
Based on the current information, FDA advises that
consumers not eat bagged fresh spinach at this time.
Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of
illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact
their health care provider.
“Given the severity of this illness and the seriousness of
the outbreak, FDA believes that a warning to consumers is
needed. We are working closely with the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local
agencies to determine the cause and scope of the problem,”
said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA’s Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools.
Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a
week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur
in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to
serious kidney damage and even death. To date, 50 cases of
illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.
At this time, the investigation is ongoing and states that
have reported illnesses to date include: Connecticut, Idaho,
Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.
FDA will keep consumers informed of the investigation as
more information becomes available.
For more Boulder County information:
Boulder County Public Health (BCPH)
3450 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304
(303) 441-1100,
www.BoulderCountyHealth.org
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