With over twenty-five reported and confirmed cases of E. Coli (Escherichia coli) poisoning in five states, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) informs that they are most likely linked to cheese tasted or sold at Costco retail outlets last month. Local, state and federal officials are still trying to find out exactly what type of cheese was involved.

According to preliminary data, Dutch style Gouda could be the source of E. Coli contamination. However, health officials say it is still too early to be sure and investigations are ongoing. The ADHS says several samples are still being tested.

ADHS informs that the reported illnesses could be linked to cheese sold and served at “Cheese Road Shows”, which Costco held last month.

Authorities say Costco is voluntarily removing suspect produce from its shelves and is “cooperating fully”. The company says it is contacting everyone it knows who bought the cheese and asking them to return all produce purchased or taken from the road show.

So far, confirmed cases have been reported in:

  • Arizona – 11
  • California – 1
  • Colorado – 8
  • Nevada – 2
  • New Mexico – 3

E. coli is short for Escherichia coli, one of many bacteria that line the human gut. E. coli usually resides in the human colon. It is also present in uncooked beef, tainted water and milk. The majority of E. coli strains are harmless, except for 0157:57, which can cause food poisoning.

For a doctor to confirm E. coli poisoning, a sample of the patient’s feces (stool) must be tested.

E. coli infection (poisoning) can spread by eating contaminated food, especially undercooked beef burgers or raw vegetables that have been in contact with contaminated water. Drinking untreated milk or dairy products may also raise the risk of infection. People in contact with infected animals have a higher risk of becoming infected themselves. Less commonly, E. coli can be transmitted from one human to another.

Signs and symptoms of E. coli poisoning include:

  • Diarrhea, which may be bloody. Hemorrhagic diarrhea caused by E. coli 0157:H7 can be severe with extremely painful abdominal cramps.
  • Stomachache
  • In some cases there is fever

In most cases symptoms clear up within a few days.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately 20,000 cases of hemorrhagic colitis caused by E. coli 0157:H7 occur annually in the USA. The bacterium produces a toxin which can damage the lining of the intestine.

Children with E. coli infection can develop hemolytic-uremic syndrome – the red blood cells break up, leading to anemia and kidney failure – it is a major and potentially fatal condition. The child or infant may also have seizures and coma.

Elderly patients with E. coli poisoning can develop TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura), resulting in anemia due to fragmentation of red blood cells, among other things.

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services

Written by Christian Nordqvist