E. Coli Outbreak Hits Washington, Source Unknown

SEATTLE, WA - At least one person in Washington has been sickened in connection to a multi-state E. coli outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Nationwide, at least 17 people have been sickened, and more than half the cases have been found in Idaho and New Jersey.

The CDC has not found the source of the outbreak. Health investigators have linked the 17 cases by looking at the DNA of the E. coli bacteria detected in each case.

"CDC, several states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 infections. The investigation is still ongoing and a specific food item, grocery store, or restaurant chain has not been identified as the source of infections. CDC is not recommending that consumers avoid any particular food at this time. Restaurants and retailers are not advised to avoid serving or selling any particular food. We will update our advice if a source is identified." - CDC notice

No deaths have been reported in connection to the outbreak, but at least one person has developed a form of kidney failure caused by E. coli. The bacteria causes severe diarrhea, and can be contracted through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person.

Learn more about pathogenic E. coli from the CDC.

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