The US Centers for Disease Control ICDC) reported that there has been an E. Coli bacteria outbreak in four U.S. States. Eighty-four people have been infected and 38 have been hospitalized. The majority of the victims reported having eaten sandwiches at Wendy’s. Fifty-two of the 62 interviewed said they ate sandwiches or burgers with romaine lettuce at a Wendy’s restaurant within a week before they got sick.

Wendy’s said in a public statement that they are cooperating with public health authorities in their investigation of the outbreak. To be safe, the burger chain in not using the lettuce in their sandwiches, and has replaced sandwiches at some restaurants in the affected regions. However, the lettuce in their salad is not replaced as it is different from their sandwich lettuce. 

The CDC is not advising people stop eating at Wendy’s restaurants or avoid romaine lettuce, as they haven’t confirmed the cause of the outbreak. There is an ongoing investigation by the agency to determine if romaine lettuce is the source of the outbreak and whether lettuce used at Wendy’s restaurants was served or sold at other businesses.

Reports show that 38 people have been hospitalized in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Indiana as of Wednesday. The agency said the number of sick people is probably higher, and the outbreak may have already occurred in more than four states. 

Lawsuits against Wendy’s are starting to pile up from victims based in Ohio and Michigan. Bill Marler, an attorney representing some of these people, said the confirmed cases are likely to reach over 200 people in a couple of days.

The ages of victims range from 6 to 91. Several have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. 

E. Coli (Escherichia coli) is a bacteria found in humans and warm-blooded animals. There are strains of E. Coli that can cause infection and severe symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and food poisoning. E. Coli outbreaks usually come from lettuce because it is consumed raw. Washing can kill some of it, but not all of it. Most outbreaks occur in the fall when lettuce production shifts from California’s Central Coast to Yuma Valley in Arizona and Imperial Valley in Arizona. Scientists have yet to confirm if the environmental factors are to blame. 

If you have E. Coli symptoms, call your health care provider immediately. Make a journal of what you have eaten in a week before having the symptoms and report it to your doctor.