(CNN) – At least 156 people in 10 US states have been infected with E. coli after eating contaminated ground beef at home and in restaurants, federal officials said.

Cases include people who have eaten beef since March 1, but no supplier, distributor or brand of beef has been identified.

"Tracing surveys are underway to determine the source of raw ground beef supplied to grocery stores and restaurants where sick people have reported eating," the CDC said.

The disease began on March 1 and infected people were aged less than 1 year to 83 years, with a median age of 19, he said.

"Diseases that occurred after March 26 may not be reported because of the time that elapses between when a person gets E. coli and when the disease is reported. two to three weeks, "said the CDC.

The epidemic has now spread to 10 states: Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Indiana, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Minnesota.

Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. They start on average three to four days after the ingestion of the bacteria. Most people recover in five to seven days. The first reported symptoms of this outbreak began on March 2nd.

Consumers are urged to avoid the spread of E. coli bacteria by washing their hands, cooking ground beef at an internal temperature of 160 ° C and keeping uncooked food away from home. raw beef to prevent cross-contamination.

The-CNN-Wire
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