E. Coli Outbreak Spreads To More States As CDC Continues To Investigate Source

The E. coli outbreak that has been linked to the romaine lettuce in Wendy's sandwiches has spread with illnesses now reported in a total of six states.

On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided an update about its investigation into the outbreak, saying that E. coli illnesses were now being reported in New York and Kentucky. Previously, the states of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania were the only states tied to the outbreak that is thought to have been caused by Wendy's sandwiches.

The number of people with illnesses from the E. coli outbreak has now increased to 97, up from 84 the previous week, with an additional five individuals hospitalized from infections this week.

A total of 43 hospitalizations have been reported to the agency with no deaths to date, but there have been a small number of people that have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause kidney failure, from their E-coli infections.

While the CDC said that a specific food has not yet been confirmed as the source of the E. coli outbreak, many of the people that have become sick have said that they ate sandwiches with romaine lettuce at Wendy's restaurants.

As a precaution, Wendy's said in an Aug. 19 statement on its website that it removed romaine lettuce from sandwiches at restaurants located in "certain midwestern states." The chain also said it uses a different type of romaine lettuce for its salads.

The CDC said it is continuing its investigation but doesn't advise consumers to stop eating romaine lettuce or avoid eating at Wendy's restaurants. The agency maintains that there is no evidence linking romaine lettuce sold at grocery stores, other restaurants, or served in people's homes to this outbreak.

Symptoms of E. coli infections can include diarrhea that can be bloody, fever, vomiting, and dehydration. The CDC urges anyone that has symptoms of E. coli illness to see a healthcare provider.