Coli outbreak caused by tainted produce

Other states involved are California, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

The patients are infected with a strain of E. coli called O157:H7, which produces a harmful toxin called Shiga toxin.

The CDC says that the number of ill persons will likely grow in the next few weeks, as they are diagnosed and the diagnoses are reported to government officials.

The number of cases of HUS connected to this outbreak is twice what is normally seen with this strain of E. coli.

The CDC’s most recent update reported 43 of the 45 sick people had been interviewed and all 43 reported eating Chipotle food the week before they became sick. The CDC says the cases date back to October 6 and recommends throwing out the chicken salad if purchased on or before November 20-regardless if customers have shown symptoms.

An E.Coli outbreak has been linked to Costco’s rotisserie chicken salad, but the CDC is unaware of which ingredient was contaminated.

Authorities have not officially determined the source of the contamination, but Craig Wilson, Costco vice president of food safety and quality assurance, told the Associated Press he was told by the Food and Drug Administration that the strain of E. coli seems to be connected to an onion and celery mix.

Five people have been hospitalized, including two who suffered hemolytic-uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.

The outbreak of E. Coli bacteria is mostly occurring in the west. As of writing, there are already five people hospitalized and two have developed a sort of kidney failure – one of the severe complications from infection with this specific strain of E. Coli bacteria.

It was only previous year that Costco was linked to another bacterial (salmonella) infection outbreak which was again related to chicken product.

“Even if some of the rotisserie chicken salad has been eaten and no one has gotten sick, throw the rest of the product away”, the agency continued.

Costco is working closely with the CDC, FDA and local health officials to find the source of the E. coli and has encouraged its suppliers to do the same, Wilson said. “They really liked and ate the rotisserie chicken salad”, he said.

“Fejes also indicated that Costco has been very helpful with our investigation and taken steps to protect the public by removing the product”. The incubation period is three to seven days from the time of exposure.