Romaine Lettuce E. Coli Outbreak in Canada May Have Reached The United States As 17 Victims Fall Ill:
The Public Health Agency of Canada (“PHAC”) has been investigating a multi-province outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (“E. coli”) since mid-autumn. As of December 28th, it reports at least 41 confirmed cases of E. coli linked to the consumption of Romaine lettuce. The victims reside in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, and PHAC is warning consumers not to eat Romaine lettuce, but to opt for other types of lettuce at this time. Now, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) has announced it too is looking into the source of an E. Coli outbreak in the United States.
So far, at least 17 illnesses have been reported in 13 states, including 3 in California, 2 in Connecticut and New Hampshire, and one victim in each of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington. And while the CDC has noted the genetic similarities of the isolates indicate a single source, or origin, the CDC has not yet confirmed that the source is lettuce or any other leafy green.
The investigation is ongoing, with investigators in each affected state, as well as the CDC and other agencies, participating in a trace-back analysis.
For more information about the Romaine Lettuce E. Coli outbreak in Canada, the possibility of a Romaine Lettuce E. Coli outbreak in the United States, or to speak to an E. Coli lawyer, call 1-888335-4901.
