By Jory Lange

The CDC reports 67 confirmed cases of E coli infections in the Romaine lettuce outbreak.  39 people have been hospitalized in 19 states.  6 people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), an acute form of kidney failure.

Is Your State Affected by the Romaine Lettuce Outbreak?

Here is the CDC’s latest map of the 19 states affected so far in this Romaine lettuce outbreak:

Illnesses might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks.

Because of the reporting lag, the case count may continue to rise.

What Should Consumers Do in the Romaine Lettuce Outbreak Linked to E coli?

The CDC has this advice for consumers:

  • If you have romaine lettuce or packaged foods containing romaine at home:
    • Look for a label showing where the romaine lettuce was grown. It may be printed on the package or on a sticker.
    • If the label says “grown in Salinas” (whether alone or with the name of another location), don’t eat it. Throw it away.
    • If it isn’t labeled with a growing region, don’t eat it. Throw it away.
    • If you don’t know if the lettuce is romaine or whether a salad mix or wrap contains romaine, don’t eat it. Throw it away.
    • Wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in refrigerators where romaine lettuce was stored. Follow these five steps to clean your refrigerator.
  • If you are buying romaine lettuce at a store:
    • Look for a label showing where the romaine lettuce was grown. It may be printed on the package or on a sticker.
    • If the label says “grown in Salinas” (whether alone or with the name of another location), don’t buy it.
    • If it isn’t labeled with a growing region, don’t buy it.

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