E. coli lettuce outbreak hits Georgia

ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed late Thursday one case of E. coli infection in Georgia that is linked to the multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7.

The CDC has identified romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Ariz., growing region as the likely source of the outbreak strain of E. coli. Eighty-four people from 19 states have been infected so far.

The Georgia case linked to the multistate outbreak of E. coli is a metro Atlanta teenager who was hospitalized but has since been released. The individual ate salad containing romaine lettuce at different restaurants in the metro area and also ate bagged romaine purchased at a grocery store.

Carolyn Maschke, the public information officer for the Southwest Public Health District, said the outbreak currently has no link to southwest Georgia.

Symptoms of E. coli infection usually develop between two to eight days after contact with the bacteria. Most people experience diarrhea that can be bloody, severe stomach cramps and vomiting. Some infections are very mild and people recover within a week. Other infections are severe or even life-threatening.

“This particular strain of E. coli has resulted in more hospitalizations than we would normally expect with this type of outbreak,” DPH Epidemiologist Dr. Cherie Drenzek said. “It is crucial that the public understands how serious E. coli infections can be, and to heed all recommended precautions about avoiding romaine lettuce.”

The CDC recommends the following to avoid becoming a victim of the outbreak:

— Consumers avoid all romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Ariz., growing region, including whole heads and hearts of romaine, chopped romaine, and salads and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce.

— Understand that product labels often do not identify growing regions. Do not eat or buy romaine lettuce if it is not clear where it was grown.

— Don’t take chances. If it is not clear to the individual whether it is romaine lettuce, do not eat it.

— Washing lettuce will not necessarily eliminate E. coli. The bacteria can stick to leafy surfaces or hide in microscopic crevices.

Individuals should contact their health care provider if they have diarrhea that lasts for more than three days or is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool or so much vomiting that liquids cannot be kept down and very little urine is being passed.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/signs-symptoms.html.

Jennifer Parks