Michigan Highest Hit in the Wendy’s E. Coli Outbreak with CONFIRMED 58 Cases
The Wendy’s E. coli outbreak, which has sickened at least 97 people in 6 states (Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New York, and Kentucky), has been particularly potent in the state of Michigan with 58 confirmed cases. While investigators are still working to determine the official source of the outbreak, experts theorize the source of contamination to be Wendy’s romaine lettuce, which is used on their sandwiches and hamburgers.
Of the infected Michigan residents, over 55% report eating at a Wendy’s preceding the onset of their symptoms. A total of 18 Michigan jurisdictions have confirmed outbreak cases: Allegan, Branch, Clinton, Genesee, Gratiot, Jackson, Kent, Macomb, Midland, Monroe, Muskegon, Oakland, Ogemaw, Ottawa, Saginaw, Washtenaw, and Wayne and the City of Detroit. Approximately 56% of Michigan residents with confirmed infections have required hospitalization, and 4 residents have been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of an E. coli infection that can lead to kidney failure.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is currently collaborating with the CDC and the FDA to better understand the source of the outbreak, prevent future cases, and provide further care for infected residents. Dr. Alexis Travis, the senior deputy director of public health administration at MDHHS, urges Michigan residents to seek medical attention if they believe they are experiencing symptoms of an E. coli infection, and to remain vigilant with food safety practices.
According to the CDC, symptoms of an E. coli infections generally emerge 3 to 4 days after ingesting the bacteria and broadly consist of vomiting, diarrhea which can be bloody, severe stomach cramps, and a low grade fever. Symptoms typically resolve without treatment in 5 to 7 days, however, children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop complications such as HUS. Symptoms of HUS usually begin 7 days after the onset of infection symptoms and include exhaustion, loss of color in lower eyelids and cheeks, and diminution of urine frequency. If you believe to be experiencing symptoms of HUS, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately, as the complication is severe and potentially life threatening.
