Florida records first case of E. coli tied to romaine lettuce

One Florida case of E. coli linked to romaine lettuce has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of Tuesday, 149 people from 29 states were reported to be infected with this particular strain of E. coli. Sixtyfour people have been hospitalized. One death was reported in California.

Illnesses began on dates ranging from March 13 to April 25, according to the CDC.

This outbreak has been linked to romaine lettuce from region around Yuma, Ariz. The lettuce in question includes whole heads and hearts of romaine, chopped romaine, and salads and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce.

Romaine lettuce is no longer being grown or distributed from the affected region, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The vegetable’s 21-day shelf life means that romaine lettuce from that region may still be in the supply chain.

One farm was found by the FDA to be the source of the whole-head romaine lettuce that sickened several people at a correctional facility in Alaska. It is still uncertain where in the supply chain the contamination happened.

The CDC advises that diners check with restaurants and grocers on the origin of their romaine lettuce — and don’t eat the romaine lettuce if the businesses do not know.

Packaging for romaine lettuce may not list the vegetable’s source, so consumers are advised to throw out any romaine lettuce if its origin is uncertain.

People usually get sick from this strand of E. coli two to eight days after ingesting the bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea that can be bloody, severe stomach cramps and vomiting.

Most people recover within the first week, according to the CDC, but some infections can be severe.

Patients with E. coli may develop a kidney-failure type of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

About 17 of the 64 hospitalized people have developed this condition, according to the CDC.

It develops within a week after E. coli symptoms first appear. Symptoms of kidney failure include decreased urination, tiredness, and loss of color in cheeks and inside lower eyelids.