E. coli outbreak keeps spreading, but may be slowing down

The outbreak of E. coli infection centered in Kentucky has spread to nine other states, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced April 23. However, preliminary evidence suggests the number of new cases is declining.

Officials said they are still trying to find the source of the outbreak, which evidence suggests is ground beef.

"CDC is not recommending that consumers avoid eating ground beef at this time," the agency said. "Consumers and restaurants should handle ground beef safely and cook it thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness. At this time, CDC is not recommending that retailers stop serving or selling ground beef."

Escherichia coli is a common bacterium found in the digestive tracts of mammals. Certain strains, such as the one numbered O103, which is identified with this outbreak, can produce Shiga toxin, which causes diarrhea (often bloody), severe stomach cramps, and vomiting.

The strain of E. coli has been identified in 156 sick people, 20 of whom were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported from the outbreak. Kentucky has 65 cases; Tennessee has 41, Georgia 33 and Ohio eight. A CDC chart indicated that fewer cases have been reported in recent weeks, but it can take as long as four weeks for the disease to develop.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chart, adapted by Kentucky Health News; click on it for a larger version