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September 18,
2006
FDA
Warning on Serious Foodborne
E.coli O157:H7 Outbreak
One Death and Multiple Hospitalizations in Several States
The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an alert to consumers about
an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states that may be associated
with the consumption of produce. To date, preliminary epidemiological
evidence suggests that bagged fresh spinach may be a possible cause
of this outbreak.
Based on the
current information, FDA advises that consumers not eat bagged fresh
spinach at this time. Individuals who believe they may have experienced
symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to
contact their health care provider.
"Given
the severity of this illness and the seriousness of the outbreak,
FDA believes that a warning to consumers is needed. We are working
closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) and state and local agencies to determine the cause and scope
of the problem," said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA's
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
E. coli O157:H7
causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy
adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop
a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The
condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. To date,
50 cases of illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.
At this time,
the investigation is ongoing and states that have reported illnesses
to date include: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico,
Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.
FDA will keep
consumers informed of the investigation as more information becomes
available.
For
additional information:
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