Atlanta, GA– A multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O103 infections is being investigated by CDC, FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
As of April 4, 2019, 72 ill people have been reported from five states. The last reported illness began on March 29, 2019.
Eight ill people have been hospitalized. No deaths and no cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (a type of kidney failure) have been reported.
The investigation is still ongoing and a specific food item, grocery store, or restaurant chain has not been identified as the source of infections.
People get sick from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli an average of 3 to 4 days after swallowing the germ. Most people get diarrhea (often bloody), severe stomach cramps and vomiting.
Most people recover within a week, but some illnesses can last longer and be more severe.
Antibiotics are not recommended for patients with suspected E. coli infections until diagnostic testing can be performed and E. coli infection is ruled out.
