According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an E. coli outbreak centered in the Midwest has now expanded to the state of New York.
The outbreak was previously reported in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Michigan. Kentucky and New York joined the list on Friday, September 2, with one case recorded in each state, according to CNN.
The CDC has noted that the number of people sickened by E. coli is likely higher than the 97 total reported in the six states, and the actual number could also include other states. The federal agency said that Michigan is home to the most affected people, with 58 patients sickened by E. coli.
Wendy's removes romaine lettuce in its restaurants in affected regions
In a statement back in August, Wendy's said it was fully cooperating with public health authorities in their investigation. The fast food chain also said it would remove the sandwich lettuce from some of its regional restaurants.
According to the CDC, Wendy's removed the romaine lettuce in late August that was being used in sandwiches in its restaurants in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. It is unclear, however, if Wendy's will do so for restaurants in the additional states. The fast food chain did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday evening, according to NBC News.
According to Wendy's, its lettuce has not been confirmed as the source of the E. coli outbreak. Wendy's added that it uses a different lettuce in the salads, so that particular supply will remain.
Though no source has been identified yet for the E. coli outbreak, the CDC said that roughly 8 in 10 people who reported their illness ate food from a Wendy's restaurant within a week of their symptoms appearing. According to the federal agency, most people who could remember details about their food orders said they had burgers or sandwiches that included romaine.
CDC is looking for the source of the E. coli outbreak
According to the CDC, investigators were working to confirm the outbreak's source. The CDC said that E. coli could cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, diarrhea, pneumonia, and other illnesses depending on its form.
The agency added that there is no specific treatment for E. coli, and most people just get over it naturally. Severe cases should prompt a visit, though, to a physician. The CDC noted that 43 people had been hospitalized because of the outbreak.
Ten people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported thus far due to the outbreak. The CDC said that people with E. coli symptoms, such as a fever over 102°F and diarrhea, signs of dehydration, or severe vomiting, should immediately call their health care provider.
