STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it is investigating an E. coli outbreak in Ohio in Michigan that has caused more than two dozen infections.
The source of the outbreak, which has sickened 29 people in Ohio and Michigan, is currently unknown, the agency said in a release. Nine people have been hospitalized across the two states.
Genomic sequencing has determined the 29 people sickened by E. coli produced samples that were closely related genetically, suggesting they became sick from the same food.
It is likely the actual number of people affected is larger than the currently-reported total, according to the CDC, and health officials are working to determine the true extent of the outbreak.
“The number of illnesses reported by CDC is expected to increase,” the CDC said.
The CDC typically deals with a handful of E. coli outbreaks annually. Four separate outbreaks were tracked in both 2021 and 2020, for example, caused by sources ranging from baby spinach to cake mix.
E. Coli, otherwise known as Escherichia coli, exists in the intestines of healthy people and animals and is mostly harmless. However, some forms of the bacteria are pathogenic, including the shiga toxin-producing coli that is commonly associated with food-related outbreaks.
Common symptoms of E. coli include stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Most people get better in about a week, the CDC said, but some suffer severe or life-threatening illnesses.
To avoid infection, the CDC recommends people follow hygienic food practices. If you experience E. coli symptoms, you should call your physician and report your illness to the local health department.
