Outbreak of E. coli Infections in 8 States, source unknown

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. WGS showed that bacteria isolated from ill people were closely related genetically. As of October 28, 2020, a total of 21 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from eight states (California (7), Florida, Illinois, Michigan (2), New Jersey, Ohio (7), Utah, and Wisconsin). Illnesses started on dates ranging from June 6-October 5, 2020. Of 16 ill people with information available, 8 hospitalizations have been reported, including 1 person who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. One death has been reported from Michigan. The strain of E. coli O157:H7 causing illness in this outbreak has previously caused outbreaks linked to different sources, including an outbreak of romaine lettuce in 2018. A specific food item has not yet been identified as the source of this outbreak. CDC is not advising people to avoid any particular food at this time. @ https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2020/o157h7-10-20a/index.html