A recent investigation by Missouri health officials has linked a St. Louis E. coli outbreak to similar cases in six other states through genetic sequencing. The strain, identified as HO157, sickened 115 people in the region and was associated with several outbreaks in Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Kansas, and Indiana.
The Missouri State Health Laboratory sequenced the genome of samples from infected individuals, which showed a match with other cases in multiple states. This finding suggests contamination from a food source or distributor.
Andre’s Banquets and Catering, where 25 cases were linked to the outbreak, has confirmed that genetic sequencing connected their local cases to outbreaks in at least six other states. The company has expressed interest in receiving more information about the investigation.
County health experts suspect that salad is the primary cause of the infections, citing the fact that most affected individuals reported eating salad. Leafy greens are uncooked, making them more susceptible to bacterial contamination.
The recent outbreak highlights the importance of tracing contaminated food products and identifying potential suppliers or distributors. Authorities will continue to investigate the case, with federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration playing a role in the inquiry.
Source: https://www.stlpr.org/health-science-environment/2024-12-03/genetic-sequencing-links-st-louis-e-coli-outbreak-to-those-in-other-states