Spinach-Related E. coli O157:H7 in Kentucky
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) today reported one additional case of E. coli O157:H7 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in relation to an outbreak of the illness in 23 states. The case was confirmed through testing by the Kentucky Public Health Laboratory in Frankfort.
This brings the total number of people in Kentucky with cases of E. coli potentially related to the national outbreak to seven. The newly reported case involves a male teenager from Kenton County who received outpatient medical treatment.
Of the six previously reported cases, only an Oldham County woman remains hospitalized. The cases reported to date have involved residents from Oldham (2), Hopkins, Jefferson and McCracken (2) Counties.
At this time, DPH is still recommending that consumers avoid the consumption of all fresh spinach and products that contain fresh spinach as a safety measure to avoid possible E. coli infection. This does not apply to frozen spinach products, or other fresh produce items.
"E. coli infection is a serious threat to public health. As an added safety measure, we advise that consumers avoid all brands of fresh spinach and products that contain spinach for the time being," said William Hacker, M.D., acting undersecretary for health for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and public health commissioner. "Additionally, physicians should make sure to report all E. coli cases to the local health department."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC continue to investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states that may be associated with the consumption of fresh spinach. State health officials are continuing to work with staff at local health departments in the counties with suspected or confirmed cases to determine the source of the infections.
As of Wednesday, 146 cases of illness due to E. coli infection have been reported to the CDC, including 23 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), 76 hospitalizations and one death. Because illnesses continue to be reported, this is considered an ongoing investigation.
If you believe you have experienced symptoms of illness after consumption of raw spinach, please consult your health care provider. You may also contact your local health department or the DPH Food Safety Branch at (502) 564-7181.
If you are diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7, contact lawyer Fred Pritzker for a free consultation regarding your legal rights and remedies. He has a national reputation for success with food poisoning lawsuits and has recovered millions of dollars for victims of E. coli and other food poisoning outbreaks. To contact Fred Pritzker, call toll-free at 1-888-8900, e-mail fhp@pritzkerlaw.com or fill out the online, attorney-consultation form.
Brands involved in the multi-state, spinach-related E. coli outbreak include the following:
- Balducci's
- FreshPro
- Fresh N' Easy Spring Mix
- Hy-Vee Spring Mix
- Natural Selection Foods
- Pride of San Juan
- Earthbound Farm
- Bellissima
- Dole
- Rave Spinach
- Emeril
- Sysco
- O Organic
- Fresh Point
- River Ranch
- Superior
- Nature's Basket
- Pro-Mark
- Compliments
- Trader Joe's
- Ready Pac
- Jansal Valley
- Cheney Brothers
- D'Arrigo Brothers
- Green Harvest
- Mann
- Mills Family Farm
- Premium Fresh
- Snoboy
- The Farmer's Market
- Tanimura & Antle
- President's Choice
- Cross Valley
- Riverside Farms
The recalls involve primarily bagged baby spinach and bagged salad mixes that include baby spinach.
