NJ Dep Of Health: Romaine Lettuce linked to E.coli outbreak

Good thing it's not Erev Pesach. Dr. Shanik says to follow the CDC Guidelines and not eat Chopped romain

TRENTON –April 13, 2018 Chopped romaine lettuce grown in the Yuma, Arizona region is likely the source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened at least seven New Jersey residents, including one in Sussex County, and a total of 35 people in 11 states, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
More from NJ Herald
No deaths have been reported.
At this time, the CDC said, no grower, supplier, distributor, or brand of romaine lettuce has been identified.
 Consumers who have bought romaine lettuce -- including salads and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce -- should not eat it and should throw it away, even if some of it was eaten and no one has gotten sick. If you don't know if the lettuce is romaine, throw it away, according to the advisory. 

Before purchasing romaine lettuce at a grocery store or eating it at a restaurant, consumers should confirm with the store or restaurant that the romaine lettuce did not come from the Yuma, Arizona growing region, the New Jersey Department of Health advised.

"Individuals with this infection usually get better within about five to seven days, however some illnesses can be serious or even life-threatening," said state Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal. "Anyone experiencing symptoms of this illness should see a healthcare provider."

The symptoms of E. coli infection vary. Some individuals may have mild to severe diarrhea, which may contain blood. Abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting may occur. Usually there is little or no fever present. People should contact their healt.h care provider if they have diarrhea that lasts for more than three days or that is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or so much vomiting that they cannot keep down liquids and they pass very little urine.

In addition, about 5 to 10 percent of people who are diagnosed with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. The syndrome develops about seven days after symptoms first appear, when diarrhea is improving. Clues that someone is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. Any who develop these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

The state Department of Health has confirmed seven cases of E. coli in New Jersey; four in Hunterdon County, and one each in Monmouth, Sussex and Somerset counties. As additional testing is completed, cases may be added.

The state is continuing to work with local health partners to identify, interview and obtain lab specimens from New Jersey residents who may have become ill from the contaminated food.

The CDC also advises that all restaurants and retailers ask their suppliers about the source of their romaine lettuce and refrain from selling or serving any that was grown in Yuma, Arizona.

The CDC and Department of Health will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

For more information on this outbreak, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/index.html.

The Department of Health also has a website: www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ecoli.shtml that contains more information on E. coli, including frequently asked questions.