The Michigan Department of Community Health said more than half of a recent rash of E. coli cases reported in the Midwest have been traced to ground beef sold at Kroger stores in Michigan and Ohio in May and June.
The lots of beef no longer are on store shelves, but additional retailers and outlets may be identified.
MDCH has confirmed 15 E. coli cases that are genetically linked and 10 of those cases are hospitalized.
“Kroger is fully cooperating with state and federal investigators,” said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture Director. “It’s critical that consumers follow safe food practices to
reduce the risk of foodborne illness such as cooking your meat thoroughly using a food thermometer to determine proper internal temperature.”
The 15 genetically linked cases, E. coli are present in seven Michigan counties including Eaton (1), Macomb (2), Washtenaw (4), Saginaw (1), Genesee (1), Wayne (3) and Oakland (3). Reported E. coli patients became ill between May 31 and June 8. Additionally, individuals in Ohio also have been identified with the same genetic strain of E. coli O157. The confirmed Ohio and Michigan cases have been linked both epidemiologically and genetically to this outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/less than 38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5-7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.