Multistate E. coli Outbreak Sickens People from California to New Hampshire

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 infections. The CDC has stated that at least 17 illnesses in 13 states have been reported as part of the investigation.

It is believed that the outbreak may be linked to the consumption of romaine lettuce. A coinciding outbreak in Canada with a genetically similar type of E. coli recently took place. The Public Health Agency of Canada identified romaine lettuce as the source of that outbreak. 

Most people get sick from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli within 2 to 8 days after ingesting a contaminated food or liquid. Common symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal cramps. While most people recover within a week, some illnesses last longer and can be more severe, resulting in a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS can occur in people of any age, but is most common in young children under 5 years of age, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. 

“E. coli is transmitted through contaminated food, water or through contact with infected feces from animals, people or tainted surfaces,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To protect the public and help prevent these types of occurrences from happening, EMSL offers comprehensive environmental testing services to identify E. coli and other microbial contaminants. Testing services can be utilized to examine raw or final products and to confirm that surface cleaning and disinfection procedures in food processing facilities are effective.”

To learn more about E. coli testing or other microbial pathogen and food testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 43 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail