The Centers for Disease Control is investigating E. coli illnesses sickening 19 people in Ohio, 2 in Pennsylvania, 15 in Michigan, and 1 in Indiana. 10 people have been hospitalized, and 3 in Michigan appear to have kidney failure, but no deaths have been reported.

Two out of the 19 Ohio cases originated in Mahoning County.

No specific food has been determined as the source of the outbreak, but many of those who have gotten sick reported eating sandwiches with romaine lettuce at Wendy's restaurants in those states before becoming ill.

Wendy's, as a precautionary measure, is removing romaine from its sandwiches in the four states. This does not impact their salads, which use a different type of romaine lettuce. Wendy's is cooperating with the investigation.

At this time, there is no evidence to indicate that romaine lettuce sold in grocery stores, served in other restaurants, or in people’s homes is linked to this outbreak.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these severe E. coli symptoms:

  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Excessive vomiting, not being able to keep liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration, lack of urination, dry mouth, and throat
  • Feeling dizzy when standing up

Contact your public health officials if you have these symptoms, and include where you ate in the week before you got sick and...