Over 100 People Sickened In E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Wendy's, Health Experts Estimate

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues its investigation into an E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce served at Wendy's restaurants, state health officials say more than 100 people that have become ill from eating at the burger chain.

The CDC updated the number of people who have been reported becoming ill after eating Wendy's romaine lettuce on Friday, saying that 37 people had been infected with E. coli in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Now, state health officials are claiming the number of cases is much higher, affecting more than 100 people.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said that it has received as many as 98 reports of people who have become ill with E. coli in August. Of those cases, 43 have been linked to consuming food sold at Wendy's, with the other 55 still pending.

The agency also reported that 56% of the E. coli cases in Michigan have required hospitalization, with four people developing hemolytic uremic syndrome – a type of kidney failure – from their infections.

The MDHHS did say that one specific food item has not been identified by the agency, but it is turning its investigation focus on "sandwiches topped with romaine lettuce." It also has not issued a recommendation to avoid eating at Wendy's restaurants.

In Ohio, the state's Department of Health said that 19 cases of E. coli infections have been confirmed, with four people being hospitalized. Another person was confirmed sick in Indiana, and two people had E. coli infections in Pennsylvania, according to the CDC.

No deaths have been reported due to the E. coli outbreak.

Since the CDC started its E. coli outbreak investigation, Wendy's said it has stopped selling lettuce at restaurants in these regions. Wendy's also said that its salads do not contain the same lettuce as its sandwiches.

As part of its investigation, the CDC said there is no evidence to indicate that romaine lettuce sold in grocery stores or served at other restaurants is linked to the outbreak.

Symptoms of E. coli infections can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and in some cases, a fever. Most people get better in five to seven days.

If you experience symptoms of an E. coli infection, call your healthcare provider right away, and report your illness to your local or state health department to help determine the source of the outbreak.