Deadly outbreak of E. Coli in lettuce traced to contaminated water

E. coli (CDC)

Do not worry, the recent deadly outbreak of E. coli in romaine lettuce is over. And yes, the romaine lettuce that you buy at the store or stack on your plate at the salad bar is now healthy to eat.

But how was this lettuce contaminated in the first place? The answer could be in the water.

According to an update from the outbreak of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Thursday, romaine lettuce contaminated with a particularly virulent strain of E. coli O157: H7 has sickened 210 people in 36 states between March 13 and June 6. The age of the victims ranged from 1 to 88 years old.

Eighty-six of these people were sick enough to be hospitalized; 27 of these people developed a hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. Five people from four states have died. This is the worst outbreak of E. coli O157: H7 since a 2006 epidemic related to spinach.

Using a particular type of genetic fingerprinting called whole genome sequencing, the CDC was able to determine that the E. coli bacterium sampled among those who became ill was tightly linked genetically, so a unique source of genetic information. infection was the most likely cause.

The US Food and Drug Administration, along with the CDC and various state partners, then traced the epidemic in a single growing region: Yuma, Arizona, which calls itself the "capital city". winter lettuce of the world. "

This is not just the lettuce that Yuma provides. Thanks to the rich soil created by the sediments of the Colorado River and good irrigation, Yuma cultivates about $ 2.5 billion a year of more than 175 crops, including dates, lemons and melons. But what is important here, is that Yuma County says that it grows 90% of all American green vegetables between November and March.

According to the FDA, the last deliveries of lettuce for the season were shipped in April. life has since expired, so contaminated lettuce is no longer available.

During the investigation, the FDA discovered that the outbreak could not be attributed to a single producer, harvester, processor or distributor. It was in several supply chains. This led to suspicions that the outbreak could come from a common water source.

On Thursday, the CDC said that samples taken from the canal water that irrigated the Yuma fields were filled with the same deadly bacteria. The E. coli O157: H7 found in the canal water is closely linked genetically to E. coli O157: H7 of sick people, "said the CDC in a final update on the outbreak. [19659003] How to be in the water of the canal is still under investigation by the FDA. "Samples were taken from the area's environmental sources, including water, soil and cow manure. The evaluation of these samples is ongoing, "said the FDA in an update

Interestingly, not all people who became ill had actually eaten romaine lettuce. close contacts with people who had eaten infected vegetables The CDC reminds everyone to always use safe handling practices with any fruit or vegetable.

"Important steps to take are good cook the meat and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing the diapers after contact with the animals, "advises the CDC.