E. Coli Outbreak Caused by Romaine Lettuce

Recently, there has been an outbreak of E.Coli from romaine lettuce grown in Arizona that has affected several states.

“The number of people hospitalized due to a multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to chopped romaine lettuce continues to grow,” the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

“About fifty-three people have been reported sickened in 16 states since March 13,” the CDC said.

People who bought romaine lettuce should throw it out immediately.

“Romaine lettuce — including the pre-chopped variety as well as whole heads and hearts — from that region has been linked to a multi-state outbreak of a nasty strain of E. coli that can cause bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and kidney failure,” Business Insider said.

Washing the lettuce will not stop you from getting sick because the bacteria will not necessarily die.

“Symptoms of E. coli typically begin two to eight days after consuming the bacteria, although most patients become ill three or four days after consumption,” CNN said.

“This particular strain of the bacteria, E. coli O157:H7, is one that sickened 25 people who ate leafy greens (including romaine lettuce) last November and December. One Californian died during that outbreak,” Business Insider said.

There is no vaccine for E.Coli.

There is no definite time when the lettuce will be safe.

“Consumers anywhere in the United States who have store-bought chopped romaine lettuce at home, including salads and salad mixes, should not eat it and should throw it away, even if some of it was eaten and no one has gotten sick. If you do not know if the lettuce is romaine, do not eat it and throw it away,” the CDC said.