As of May 21, 2014, seven confirmed and three probable cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) infection have been reported in Idaho and Washington.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Idaho (3) and Washington (7).

Fifty percent of ill persons have been hospitalized. No ill persons have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and no deaths have been reported.

Results from initial state and local epidemiologic investigations indicate a link to eating raw clover sprouts.

In interviews, nine (90%) of ten ill persons reported eating raw clover sprouts in the week before becoming ill.

Preliminary traceback investigations indicate that contaminated raw clover sprouts produced by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC of Idaho is the likely source of this outbreak of STEC O121 infections.

The Washington State Department of Health and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare are advising people not to eat raw clover sprouts produced by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts.

This investigation is active and ongoing and CDC will update the public when more information becomes available.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of E. coli outbreaks and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The E. coli lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of E. coli and other foodborne illness infections and have recovered over $600 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our E. coli lawyers have litigated E. coli and HUS cases stemming from outbreaks traced to ground beef, raw milk, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and other food products.  The law firm has brought E. coli lawsuits against such companies as Jack in the Box, Dole, ConAgra, Cargill, and Jimmy John’s.  We have proudly represented such victims as Brianne Kiner, Stephanie Smith and Linda Rivera.