An epidemic of E. Coli hits dozens of people in five states

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – The federal government is investigating an epidemic in E. Coli affecting more than 70 people in Kentucky and four other states, including Georgia.

The Courier Journal reports 46 cases have been reported in Kentucky. The spokeswoman for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Barbara Fox, said six people had been hospitalized because of the outbreak.

The report of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Georgia includes eight cases and Tennessee, 21 cases. Ohio and Virginia are also concerned.

Officials do not know if a food, a grocery store or a restaurant is the source of the infections.

The CDC does not recommend consumers to avoid any particular food at the moment.

According to the Kentucky Department of Health, people usually get sick two to five days after eating contaminated food. Public health officials announced the outbreak on March 29.