CDC: E. coli outbreak linked to baby spinach; 1 case in Michigan

Cases reported in 7 states

Bowl of spinach. (Photo by Rodolfo Quirós from Pexels)

The CDC has issued an alert about a growing E. coli outbreak linked to baby spinach, with at least one case reported in Michigan.

Here’s the info from the CDC:

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Josie’s Organics Baby Spinach

  • Sold at stores nationwide
  • “Best by” date of October 23, 2021
  • Sold in plastic clamshell containers

Minnesota officials found E. coli O157:H7 in a package of leftover Josie’s Organics baby spinach collected from a sick person’s home. Five people in this outbreak reported eating spinach in the week before they got sick and 1 reported Josie’s Organics brand. Cases have been reported in seven states, including Michigan.

Investigators are working to determine if additional products may be contaminated.

What you should do

  • Do not eat any contaminated spinach. Throw it away or return it to where you bought it.
  • Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the contaminated spinach using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe coli symptoms:
    Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
    Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
    Bloody diarrhea
    So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down

    Signs of dehydration, such as:
    Not peeing much
    Dry mouth and throat
    Feeling dizzy when standing up

Symptoms of E. coli

  • Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
    Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria.
    Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
  • Some people may develop a type of kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized.
  • For more information about E. coli, see the E. coli Questions and Answers page.


About the Author

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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