The CDC has updated their investigation into the I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. Now, sixteen people in nine states are sick in this outbreak, an increase of four patients and four states since the original CDC post just four days ago.
Two more people have been hospitalized, and one more person has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). That means eight people have been hospitalized in this outbreak, for a 50% hospitalization rate. The HUS rate in this outbreak is also high, at 31%. In a typical Shiga toxin-producing E. coli outbreak, only 5 to 10% of patients develop this complication.
The outbreak case count by state is: Arizona (4), California (4), Maryland (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (1), Oregon (2), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (1). The new states added to this list are Missouri, Wisconsin, Washington, and Virginia.
Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 4, 2017 to February 21, 2027. Ill persons range in age from 2 to 48 years, with a median age of 10. Among the patents, 63% are male. No deaths have been reported. This outbreak may continue to grow, since it takes a few weeks from the time a person gets sick until they see a doctor, are diagnosed, and are reported to officials.
Public health officials have interviewed more patients or their families. Now, fifteen of the fifteen people or their families reached for interviews (100%) reported eating I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter at home (nine people) the week before they got sick, attended a facility that served I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter (two people), or attended a childcare center that served I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter and I.M. Healthy brand granola coated with SoyNut Butter (four people).
There is still no word on whether investigators have found the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in any I.M. Healthy products. At this point, epidemiological evidence ties the outbreak to the products.
The SoyNut Butter Company recalled all varieties of I.M. healthy SoyNut Butter and all varieties of I.M. Healthy Granola products on March 7, 2017. The CDC recommends that consumers to not eat, and childcare centers, schools, and other institutions do not serve, any variety or size of I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter, or I.M. Healthy granola coated with SoyNut Butter, regardless of the date of purchase or the date listed on the container.
Even if some of these products were eaten and no one got sick, throw away the rest of the product. E. coli bacteria can cluster in food in very tiny amounts, and it only takes 10 bacteria to make a person very sick. Discard the products in a sealed bag in a secure garbage can so that other people and animals can’t eat it.
The symptoms of an E. coli O157:H7 infection include severe stomach and abdominal pains and cramps, diarrhea that can be bloody and/or watery, a mild fever, and possible vomiting. Symptoms usually begin about 3 to 4 days after eating food that contains the bacteria. Most people recover within a week, but some must be hospitalized because they are so sick.
Some of these patients can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication that can destroy the kidneys. Symptoms of HUS include lethargy, reduced urine output, a skin rash, pale skin, easy bruising, and bleeding from the nose or mouth. If you or any member of your family are experiencing any of these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.
