ADHS
News Release:
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| Release: |
Public Health Officials Advise Residents Not To Eat Fresh Bagged
Spinach |
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| Release
Date: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
September 15, 2006 |
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| Contact: |
Michael Murphy, ADHS Public Information: (602) 542-1094 |
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Arizona public health officials are
advising residents not to eat fresh bagged spinach in the wake of an
outbreak of E. coli O157, a foodborne illness that has been identified in at
least 10 states.
No Arizona cases have been identified. However, cases have been found in
neighboring states, prompting public health officials to advise residents to
avoid bagged fresh spinach at this time.
Epidemiologists in several states, with the assistance of the Centers for
Disease Control, have traced the illness to packaged, washed spinach,
although they so far have been unable to identify whether the contamination
is confined to a single brand.
The Arizona Department of Health Services is working with the CDC, and local
health departments across the state to monitor for reports of people who
have become ill.
State public health officials are urging people who develop diarrhea after
eating raw spinach to seek medical attention and tell their doctors if they
ate uncooked spinach. "If you ate spinach and aren't ill, there's no need to
call your doctor," said acting state epidemiologist Ken Komatsu.
E. coli O157 is a foodborne infection that also can be passed from person to
person unless ill persons wash their hands diligently after using the
toilet. The infection often causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps,
which usually go away in five to 10 days. However, patients in about 5
percent of cases suffer kidney failure. "This is one of the more serious
foodborne infections," said Komatsu.
Public health officials cite these as primary protections against E. coli
O157 infection:
- Thoroughly cook ground beef
and hamburger. Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Wash hands, counters and
utensils with hot soapy water after exposure to raw meat.
- Drink only pasteurized milk,
juice or cider.
- Wash fruits and vegetables
thoroughly, especially those that will not be cooked.
- Always wash hands after using
the toilet.
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