Romaine lettuce e. coli outbreak expands to more states
Reports of illnesses related to romaine lettuce have increased significantly. There are now 53 cases of consumers suffering from food poisoning as a result of the e. coli outbreak associated with the romaine lettuce. In the past 5 days, 18 more people have become ill, 5 more states have been affected, and 9 more people have been hospitalized.
The illnesses are now being reported in 16 states, including Alaska (1), Arizona (3), California (1), Connecticut (2), Idaho (10), Illinois (1), Louisiana (1), Michigan (2), Missouri (1), Montana (6), New Jersey (7), New York (2), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (12), Virginia (1), and Washington (1).
Of those who have become ill, a total of 31 have been hospitalized. Five of those victims have developed a type of kidney failure associated with an e. coli illness called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are continuing to investigate the e. coli outbreak. The contaminated romaine lettuce has been traced to the Yuma, Arizona, growing region but no specific supplier has yet been identified. Most consumers who have become ill reported eating the lettuce in a salad at a restaurant.
The most common e. coli symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and fatigue. E. coli contamination can also lead to more severe complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
If you experience any of these symptoms as a result of consuming contaminated romaine lettuce, call the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901 to discuss your legal options.
