US authorities have warned of an outbreak of "E. coli" in five states

The authorities have warned today against an outbreak of Escherichia coli, which has affected for the moment 72 out of five people States of the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, in English) reported on their website that at least eight people affected had been hospitalized.

The state where more cases have been detected is Kentuckywith 36; followed by Tennesseewith 21; georgiawith 8; Ohiowith 5 and Virginia, with 2.

Until now, the origin is unknown and the CDC pointed out that the investigations continue to establish where this "E. coli" epidemic originated.

The first case was detected on March 2 and has been extended over the last month. The CDC does not rule out that there may be more casualties.

At the moment, the authorities have not discouraged consumers of any specific type of food and have not warned stores and restaurants to stop serving particular foods.

The most common symptoms in people affected by the bacteria "E. coli" are stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea that may include traces of blood.

A year ago, the CDC asked the population to refrain from eating any type of romaine lettuce grown in southwestern Arizona because of the "E" epidemic coli "that touched 53 people in 16 states.

The CDC has extended its alert for this outbreak after the discovery of eight cases of gastroenteritis, caused by the bacteria, in a prison in Alaska.

"E. coli" It's a vast family of bacteria that can be found in the environment, in food and in the intestines of humans and animals.

Most of their strains are harmless, but to avoid getting infected with an infectious virus, the CDC recommends, among other things, toensure adequate hygiene, cook meat at the recommended temperature and avoid milk and products