The CDC has updated its case count in the E. coli O26 outbreak linked to contaminated sprouts served on Jimmy Johns sandwiches.  A total of 25 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O26 have been reported from 8 states. The 11 new ill persons have been reported from Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio. Other states with reported illnesses in the outbreak are Arkansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Alabama, and Kansas.  Of the 24 ill persons with available information, 21 (87%) reported consuming sprouts at Jimmy John’s restaurants in the 7 days preceding illness.

The CDC cautions that the full scope of the Jimmy John’s E. coli sprouts outbreak may not yet be known.  According to the CDC’s March 8 update, “Illnesses that occurred after February 19, 2012, might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.” 

Sprouts have sickened thousands in possibly 55 outbreaks over the last decade and a half.  How many more will be added to the list as a result of the Jimmy Johns E. coli outbreak?