Outbreak Linked to E. coli O121 in Cake Mix

The CDC, FDA, and local authorities investigate the multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 infections from cake mix. Sick people in this outbreak reported tasting or eating raw cake batter made from various cake mixes. A single brand or type of cake mix has not been linked to the illnesses. Of 16 people with information available, seven have been hospitalized. One person has developed a type of kidney failure (HUS), but no deaths have been reported. Most (75%) of sick people are children under the age of 18. All those sick are female, and illness dates range from Feb. 26 to June 21. Of the eight people interviewed, six reported tasting or eating raw batter made with a cake mix. People said they bought different varieties and brands. Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio have two patients, while Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington all have one. Whole genome sequencing showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically.  @ https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2021/O121-07-21/index.html