Bill Marler reported that as of early December, whole genome sequencing (WGS) had shown that an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak thought to be limited to St. Louis, Missouri, had spread across six other states. Health officials suspect leafy greens are the source of the pathogen. The outbreak associated with Andre’s Banquets and Catering, Rockwood Summit High School, and other venues is part of this larger outbreak. As of December 3, the health department had confirmed 117 patients, 13 of whom had to be hospitalized. The outbreak was first reported on November 14. Two of the patients remained hospitalized, and three developed HUS as of the second week of December. The health department has reported that 25 patients were genetically linked to the caterer, the largest sub cluster of illnesses in the outbreak. Genetic testing of the E. coli O157:H7 found patients in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, North Dakota, Ohio and South Dakota. Based on epidemiological information collected by the CDC, 75 people infected with the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 12 states. The impacted product identified appears to be past shelf life and no longer on the market. FDA continues working with the unnamed supplier to determine if any additional product could be impacted. FDA has initiated an inspection. @ https://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-that-has-sickened-at-least-75-appears-to-have-hit-the-midwest/
