Monday Sep 29, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- The Michigan Department of Community Health issued a public health alert Friday that 26 people felt ill after eating iceberg lettuce contaminated with E coli O157:H7 and served at restaurants.

The affected product is iceberg lettuce sold in bagged, industrial-sized packages through wholesale venues to restaurants and institutions. No evidence suggests that bagged lettuce at grocery stores is affected.

The tainted iceberg lettuce was purchased from Aunt Mid's Produce Company, a Detroit-based wholesale distributor and other distributing outlets could also be involved.

Health officials are still investigating the incident.

"Our top priority at the Michigan Department of Community Health is to protect the public," said Dr. Gregory Holzman, chief medical executive for MDCH.

"We appreciate all of the assistance from Aunt Mid's. They have been very helpful in this investigation. We want to ensure that the public's health and well-being is protected. Even though the investigation is ongoing, available evidence is strongly pointing to iceberg lettuce."

The 26 genetically linked cases reported from "eight Michigan counties include seven at Michigan State University (Ingham County), five inmates at the Lenawee County Jail, three students at the University of Michigan (Washtenaw County), four in Macomb County, three each in Wayne, two in Kent counties, and one each in St. Clair and Oakland counties", the state health agency said in its statement.

Among the 26 E coli cases, 10 people ages from 11 to 81 have been hospitalized. Symptoms manifested starting on Sept. 8. More cases could be confirmed as the investigation continues.

E. coli O157:H7 may cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may get fever. Most people can recover within 5 to 7 days. In severe cases, the infection can cause deaths.