CDC Investigates Multistate E. Coli Outbreak

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7, E. coli, that’s been confirmed in five states: California, Oregon, Arizona, New Jersey and Maryland. Six patients have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. Four of the six hospitalized suffered kidney failure.

An investigation by the CDC found that the likely source of the outbreak is I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter or I.M. Healthy brand granola coated with SoyNut Butter. If you have this product at home, the CDC recommends that you throw it away immediately.

“Even if some of the SoyNut Butter or granola was eaten or served and no one got sick, throw the rest of the product away," the CDC stated. "Put it in a sealed bag in the trash so that children, pets, or other animals can't eat it.”

No codes or dates were provided.

The first illness was reported in early January, with the latest on Feb. 15. A total of 12 cases have been confirmed. One victim was 48 years old, all other patients were under the age of 18.

The CDC reports that the symptoms or E. coli include:

• People usually get sick from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) 2-8 days (average of 3-4 days) after swallowing the germ.
• Most people infected with STEC develop diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps.
• Most people recover within one week.
• Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe, resulting in a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
• HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in young children under 5 years, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
• Symptoms of HUS can include fever, abdominal pain, pale skin tone, fatigue and irritability, small, unexplained bruises or bleeding from the nose and mouth, and decreased urination.
• People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

• STEC infection is usually diagnosed by testing a stool sample.

The CDC is continuing to investigate the outbreak. More cases could be identified.

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