- Over the last
several weeks, there have been numerous e-coli cases linked to
Taco Bell restaurants in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania
has four cases of confirmed E-coli that are being investigated
as potential cases linked to the current multi-state outbreak.
None of these cases have been lab confirmed as matching the
strain found in the cases in New Jersey and New York.
- The
Pennsylvania State Lab is conducting additional testing on the
three positive cases of e-coli O157:H7 in individuals who have
eaten at a Taco Bell in Montgomery County. A fourth case is
suspected and continues to be investigated.
- Testing
conducted by an independent lab hired by Taco Bell has yielded
three out of four presumptive positive results of e-coli O157:H7
in green onions, however the results are preliminary and not yet
conclusive. The PA State Lab is conducting tests on specimens,
but has not yet confirmed any positives in food samples.
- As a result,
Taco Bell has voluntarily removed all green onions from all
5,800 chains nationwide.
- As a
precautionary measure, Taco Bell closed all nine Taco Bell
restaurants in Montgomery County.
- PADOH will
continue to test samples of suspected cases and perform case
investigations on those who are suspect of the bacteria.
- PADOH will
continue to work collaboratively with the Montgomery County
Health Department, the CDC, FDA and officials from Taco Bell to
ensure the health and safety of Pennsylvanians.
CHARACTERISITCS OF E-COLI
O157:H7
- E-coli can be
found in contaminated meat, sprouts, lettuce, salami,
unpasteurized milk and juice, and swimming in or drinking
sewage-contaminated water.
- E-coli in
diarrheal stools of infected persons can be spread from one
person to another if hygiene or hand washing habits are
inadequate.
- The typical
incubation period can range between three to eights days.
- Symptoms
include severe abdominal cramping, bloody stools, vomiting and
low-grade fever.
- If someone
experiences any of these symptoms, they should contact their
physician immediately.
PADOH Fact Sheet on E-Coli
O157:H7
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?A=171&Q=230380&healthRNavradC6095=|&pp=12&n=1
Taco Bell Press Release
www.tacobell.com
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