E. coli Outbreaks in Michigan and Ohio Linked

Public health officials say an outbreak of E. coli bacteria involving both Michigan and Ohio appears to be linked to the same source. So far, there have been 15 confirmed cases in Michigan, 10 of which are hospitalized, and 19 confirmed and probable cases in Ohio. Reported E. coli patients became ill between May 31 and June 8. Genetic testing by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that the confirmed Ohio and Michigan cases are the same genetic strain of E. coli 0157.

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has issued a public health alert due to the illnesses. More than half of the 15 Michigan patients reported purchasing and consuming ground beef from Kroger Food Stores, the largest U.S. grocery chain. However, officials say product tracking is in progress and other outlets may be identified. Kroger spokeswoman Meghan Glynn told the Associated Press that the ground beef was available in some Michigan and Ohio stores in late May and early June, but is no longer on store shelves. "Kroger is fully cooperating with state and federal investigators," said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture Director.

According to the Michigan public health web site, E. coli infections have typically resulted from contaminated beef. "Our top priority at the Michigan Department of Community Health is to protect the public," said Dr. Gregory Holzman, chief medical executive for MDCH. "Now that it is summertime and many people are having cook-outs, I strongly urge our residents to thoroughly cook their hamburgers. We want to ensure that the public's health and well-being is protected."

Kristopher Weiss, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Health, said a sample of raw ground beef provided by one of the infected patients that tested positive for E. coli at the state's agricultural lab "has been forwarded to the Ohio Department of Health lab for genetic fingerprinting to see whether it does match the outbreak strain." No deaths related to the outbreak have been reported in Ohio, according to Weiss.

The symptoms of E. coli bacteria illness vary for each person, but often include stomach cramps (sometimes severe), diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it is not usually very high, less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Most people get better within 5 to 7 days. And while some infections are very mild, others are severe and can be life-threatening.

There are precautions you can take to lessen your chances of infection. Be sure to thoroughly cook hamburgers and, if possible, use a digital thermometer to make sure they've been heated to at least 160 degrees. And make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.