Four Ohio E. coli cases may be part of the outbreak in Michigan that has sickened 5 people who ate undercooked ground beef, Food Poisoning Bulletin has learned. The Ohio Department of Health
is investigating four cases of E. coli O157 that are a genetic match to the cases in Michigan, Melanie Amato, a department spokeswoman said.
“The Michigan and Ohio cases might have a common source, but we cannot confirm that at this time; the investigation into a common source is ongoing. ODH is working with our local, state and federal partners to try and identify the common source for these cases,” she said.
Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Health reported that five people from five different counties had contracted E. coli poisoning from undercooked ground beef served at restaurants. Three people were hospitalized. The Michigan cases, who range in age from 20 to 41, ate the tainted beef during the last week of April, specifically April 22 – May 1.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been working with state and county health departments to identify the source of the meat. Health officials say it is likely that the meat was contaminated before it arrived at the restaurant locations.
