llinois health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of E. coli infections, which may be linked to romaine lettuce.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting a total of 40 cases of E. coli have been identified in 16 states, including one case in Illinois that was hospitalized.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is urging the public to not eat romaine lettuce grown in California.
If you are purchasing romaine lettuce, check the label and see if it says “Salinas.” If it does or there is no label, don’t purchase it.
If the romaine lettuce you have at home is from the “Salinas” growing region, or you don’t know where it is from, health officials urge you to throw it out as a precaution.
Symptoms of the infection include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
The investigation is still ongoing.
