The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to investigate the ongoing multi-state E. coli outbreak after determining ground beef was likely the source infection that has sickened many people in five states, while one case has been diagnosed in Indiana.
The CDC began investigating the outbreak in late March, which has sickened 109 people throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Ohio, Georgia, and Indiana. Seventeen of those affected have been hospitalized.
Indiana has faced only one case, while Kentucky faced 54 cases, according to the CDC. As of April 12, no deaths have been reported. The outbreak that has begun on March 20 might not be reflected in the current data, the CDC said.
People infected with E. coli have reported eating ground beef in restaurants and at home. The CDC said its ongoing investigations would determine where the ground beef came from. So far, no common distributor or supplier of ground beef has been identified.
Consumers may still eat ground beef and retailers may continue to sell it amid the outbreak, the agency said.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, which are usually experienced three to four days after the invasion of the bacteria and may last for up to five to seven days. The CDC has recommended people to check with a doctor and note down what they have eaten if the experience the symptoms of an E. coli infection.
