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The number of diseases reported during an outbreak of E. Coli tied to ground beef has continued to grow in recent weeks and has spread to other states, health officials said Tuesday.
In total, the Centers for Disease Control said that 156 people in 10 different states have now been confirmed infected with this particular epidemic strain.
Although 20 people were hospitalized, there were no deaths. Health officials said states were investigating other diseases that may be part of the outbreak.
According to the CDC, preliminary epidemiological information suggests that ground beef is the source of this outbreak and that the majority of those who became ill reported eating ground beef. While some said that they had bought ground beef in grocery stores, others said they had it in a restaurant.
The outbreak investigation revealed that many were buying large amounts of ground beef in grocery stores and using it for dishes such as spaghetti sauce and jocé.
However, managers still need to identify a vendor, distributor or joint brand.
The CDC reminds consumers to safely handle ground beef and cook it thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
The majority of cases of this outbreak occurred in Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. As of April 23, 65 people had been infected in Kentucky, 41 in Tennessee and 33 in Georgia.
Cases related to this epidemic of E. Coli have also been confirmed in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, and Virginia.
The CDC said the diseases of this outbreak began on dates from March 1 to April 7 and that infected people were aged one year to 83 years.
Number of people infected during the outbreak of E. Coli by State (CDC data, as of April 23)
Kentucky – 65
Tennessee – 41
Georgia – 33
Ohio – 8
Florida – 3
Virginia – 2
Illinois – 1
Indiana – 1
Minnesota – 1
Mississippi – 1
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