FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 15, 2006
Contact: Barbra Holian, (907) 465-8116, Cell (907) 321-2610
Jeff Kasper, (907) 465-8194, Cell (907) 321-3158
State health officials advise against eating bagged spinach
Fresh bagged spinach is suspected source of E. coli outbreak in several states
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(Juneau, Alaska) ─ State health officials are issuing an alert to consumers about an outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7in multiple states that may be associated with the consumption of bagged fresh spinach.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has not received reports of E. coli illness in the state; however, the Division of Public Health advises that consumers not eat bagged fresh spinach at this time. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming fresh bagged spinach should contact their local health care provider.
Thus far, illnesses have been reported in Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.
“We don’t know right now whether any of the bagged fresh spinach in Alaska is tainted; however, the reports of illness from multiple states indicate national distribution of the contaminated spinach. Based on available information, there is reason to believe that it may have also been shipped to Alaska,” said Jay Butler, MD, Public Health Deputy Director.
E. coli 0157:H7 most often infects people who consume contaminated food. The infection causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools, within two weeks after exposure. Outbreaks of E. coli infection have been caused by eating undercooked ground beef, raw vegetables, and unpasteurized juices that have been contaminated by the microbe. The infection is treated by maintaining hydration and usually is not treated with antibiotics.
Although most healthy adults recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. Hemolytic uremic syndrome can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
To date, more than 50 cases of illness have been reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including eight cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome and one death.
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