US: Multistate outbreak of STEC/Ecoli linked to sprouts

[Gert van der Hoek]

Sprouts again. Not the same strain which infected thousands in Europe last year.

Multistate Outbreak of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 Infections Linked to Raw Clover Sprouts at Jimmy John's Restaurants

Posted February 24, 2012

Highlights

A total of 14 persons infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O26 have been reported from 6 states.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Iowa (5), Missouri (3), Kansas (2), Michigan (2), Arkansas (1), and Wisconsin (1).

Two ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

Preliminary results of the epidemiologic and traceback investigations indicate eating raw clover sprouts at Jimmy John's restaurants is the likely cause of this outbreak.

February 24, 2012

Case Count Update

A total of 14 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O26 have been reported from 6 states. The two new cases have been reported from Michigan. Both new cases reported eating at Jimmy John's restaurants and consuming sprouts in the 7 days preceding illness.

Among the 14 persons for whom information is available, illnesses onset dates range from December 25, 2011 to February 7, 2012. Ill persons range in age from 9 years to 49 years old, with a median age of 25 years old. One hundred percent of ill persons are female. Among the 14 ill persons, 2 (14%) were hospitalized. None have developed HUS, and no deaths have been reported. Illnesses that occurred after February 4, 2012, might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

CDC

See also: CIDRAP

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