An outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 infections traced to imported organic, frozen blueberries is growing, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
As of Sept. 3, there are 17 people infected in Florida and Georgia. Six of the patients have required hospitalization. Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 11 to Aug. 2. Eleven of 13 patients interviewed reported eating frozen blueberries before becoming sick.
It was originally reported that the suspect berries were only distributed to Publix stores under the Greenwise brand, but now frozen berries sold at Walmart stores under the Great Value brand are also suspected to be responsible for some of the illnesses in the outbreak. The frozen blueberries are also sold in mixed berry bags.
An investigation by the Food and Drug Administration has linked the outbreak to organic frozen blueberries from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., of San Carlos, Chile. The company has recalled its frozen blueberries and berry mix products in the United States.
The products under recall are:
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06453GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12053GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06753GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12153Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, 10 oz, Lot Code 6040 01-6
There is concern that consumers may have some of the recalled berries in their homes because the Best by Date is Feb. 9, 2028. They were sold at Walmart stores in 16 states plus Publix stores in eight states. Consumers should check their freezers for recalled product and should not eat it.
There are likely many more sick people that those reflected in the official count. This is because some people do not seek medical attention and others are not tested specifically for E. coli. The CDC estimates that for every confirmed patient with an E. coli infection there are 26 who go undetected.
About E. coli infections
Food that is contaminated with E. coli does not look, smell or taste bad.
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled berries and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor.
Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients.
People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.