Recalls & Alerts Michigan: 26 people suffer E coli illness
By Sue Mueller
Sep 29, 2008 - 6:19:37 AM
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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.