Death from romaine lettuce e. coli outbreak reported in California
One person has died from e. coli infection after eating contaminated romaine lettuce. The death was reported in California and was included in the most recent update from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These organizations have also reported increased numbers of illnesses in additional states throughout the country. The count of people who have become ill is now at 121, with 52 hospitalizations and 4 people who have developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. The number of states impacted by the e. coli outbreak has risen to 25 and now include Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Utah.
The FDA reports that romaine lettuce is no longer being produced and distributed from the Yuma, Arizona, growing region, reducing the potential for exposure to the contaminated product. However, due to the 21-day shelf life, romaine lettuce from this region may still be in the supply chain.
Additional illnesses are expected to be reported in the coming days. According to the CDC, illnesses that occurred after April 11, 2018, may not be included in the total count as it takes an average of two to three weeks from the time a person becomes ill with e. coli to the time the illness is reported.
A specific source of the contaminated romaine lettuce has not yet been identified. One farm in the Yuma area, Harrison Farms, has been pinpointed as the grower and sole source of the whole-head romaine lettuce that sickened several people in an Alaska correctional facility; however, there is still no determination as to where in the supply chain that contamination may have occurred.
E. coli contamination in food products can cause gastrointestinal symptoms that include diarrhea, fever, nausea, and stomach cramping. Some symptoms can become more severe, causing kidney damage (HUS) and, as reported here, death.
If you are a victim of the romaine lettuce e. coli contamination outbreak, please contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901 to learn more about your legal options. An E. coli lawyer is available to take your questions.
