“While we are not aware of any illness in Kansas associated with this outbreak, we urge everyone to take this warning very seriously and throw away any bagged fresh spinach you currently have on hand,” said Dr. Howard Rodenberg, KDHE Division of Health Director and State Health Officer.

To date, 50 cases of illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing and states that have reported illnesses to date include: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.

Again, there are no cases reported to date in Kansas.

KDHE's full press release comments are provided below:

For Immediate Release:
Sept. 15, 2006
Contact:  Sharon Watson

E.coli O157:H7 Outbreak Prompts Warning Regarding Spinach
KDHE Urges Kansans to Follow Recommendations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is warning consumers about an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states that may be associated with the consumption of bagged fresh spinach.

Based on the current information, FDA and KDHE advise that consumers not eat bagged fresh spinach at this time.  Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact their doctor.

KDHE notified local health departments and other health partners around the state today of the situation.

“While we are not aware of any illness in Kansas associated with this outbreak, we urge everyone to take this warning very seriously and throw away any bagged fresh spinach you currently have on hand,” said Dr. Howard Rodenberg, KDHE Division of Health Director and State Health Officer.

“Foodborne illness can be mild to severe, and unfortunately in this case it has already claimed one life,” Rodenberg added. “Those with weakened immune systems are even more susceptible to severe complications.”

“Given the severity of this illness and the seriousness of the outbreak, FDA believes that a warning to consumers is needed.  We are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local agencies to determine the cause and scope of the problem,” said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).

E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools.  Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly.  The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

To date, 50 cases of illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing and states that have reported illnesses to date include:  Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.

Again, there are no cases reported to date in Kansas.

FDA and KDHE will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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