The CDC reported yesterday that a total a total of 28 ill persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from five states. The number of ill people identified in each state with the outbreak strain is as follows: Connecticut (2), Massachusetts (2), New York (22), Pennsylvania (1), and Virginia (1). Nearly half of the people have been hospitalized and two have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

The outbreak was initially in New York – where most of the ill are located. More recently, more ill persons in other states have been reported, and the investigation has expanded. Four leftover packages of Wegmans brand Organic Spinach and Spring Mix blend collected from four ill persons’ homes yielded the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7.

Collaborative investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that Wegmans brand Organic Spinach and Spring Mix blend produced by State Garden of Chelsea, Massachusetts, is, and this is important per the CDC:

one likely source of this outbreak.

On November 2, 2012, Wegmans recalled 5-ounce and 11-ounce packages of Organic Spinach and Spring Mix blend, produced by State Garden.

Wegmans has stores in the following states:

• MA (1)

• MD (6)

• NJ (7)

• NY (46)

• PA (15)

• VA (6)

Where did the Connecticut victims get exposed to the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7? Did they purchase the Organic Spinach and Spring Mix blend in a neighboring state, or is the outbreak linked to more than just Wegmans product?