Update on U.S. Spinach Outbreak

Posted by Judy Arbique Sep 25, 2006

Cases of E. coli 0157 infection associated with contaminated fresh bagged spinach and spinach containing salad mixes are still being reported to the CDC. As of Saturday, September 23, the total number of cases attributed to consumption of fresh spinach stood at 171 persons, and the number of states reporting cases rose to 25 CDC.

Additional suspected cases have also been reported that may be, but have not been proven to be associated with the outbreak strain of E. coli 0157:H7. Among the suspect cases, 2 deaths have been reported - one, a 2-year-old child with hemolytic uremic syndrome in Idaho, and the second, an elderly woman in Maryland. Both had consumed fresh spinach.

The CDC has updated its advisory to include fresh spinach products from three counties in California - Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara.