Dozens ill from multi-state E. coli outbreak, CDC says cause unknown

April 08-- Apr. 8--Dozens have fallen ill in a multi-state E. coli outbreak -- but the CDC says the cause of the outbreak isn't known.

A reported 72 people have become sick with E. coli O103 since March 2, the CDC announced Friday. Eight people have been hospitalized, although there have been no cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome -- a form of kidney failure -- or death.

PulseNet, a lab network "that connects foodborne illness cases to detect outbreak," was used by the CDC to link the cases of E. coli.

The cause of the illness has not been pinpointed, however. The CDC said no specific food item, grocery store, or restaurant chain has been linked to the infections.

Affected states include Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia as of April 4. Half of the reported cases have occurred in Kentucky, and 21 people in Tennessee have fallen ill, according to the CDC.

E. coli cases in Kentucky include those reported by the Kentucky Department of Health.

The CDC reports that illnesses began March 2-29, and have affected those ages 1 to 74.

Those who are affected by E. coli typically show symptoms 2-8 days after ingesting the germ, although the average timeline is 3-4 days.

Common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Those who become infected may also have a fever, the CDC says. Typically, people become well withing 5 to 7 days, although symptoms can last longer and be more severe and potentially life-threatening.

Because the cause of the outbreak is unknown at this time, the CDC has not recommended people stay away from a particular food.

To protect against E. Coli, the CDC recommends washing hands, cooking meats thoroughly, avoiding cross-contamination when preparing food, washing fruits and vegetables before eating them, avoiding raw milk and unpasturized dairy products and fruit and not preparing food or drinks for others when ill.

The CDC said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be shared as it becomes available.

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