CDC and local DOH advise the public not to eat imported romaine lettuce

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Local residents are urged to not buy or consume romaine lettuce imported from the Central Coastal growing regions in Northern and Central California. And since health officials cannot pinpoint exactly the source of the E-coli outbreak, locals are urged not to eat imported romaine lettuce at all.

According to cdc.gov, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with public health and regulatory officials in several states, Canada, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are investigating a multistage outbreak of E-Coli infections linked to romaine lettuce from the aforementioned areas.

"Based on new information, CDC is narrowing its warning to consumers. CDC is advising that US consumers not eat — and retailers and restaurant not serve - or sell any romaine lettuce harvested from the Central Coastal growing regions of Northern and Central California."

And if you are not sure where the romaine is from, the CDC says, "Do not eat it!"

Samoa News spoke to an official from the local Department of Health who confirmed last week that DOH inspectors are checking local stores to ensure that imported romaine lettuce is not being sold.

But Samoa News visited a popular retail outlet on the west side last weekend and found that a batch of romaine lettuce was still up for sale in the produce section of the store. The cashier was alerted but she said she does not know anything about a recall and the only people who can remove items from the shelves are the store’s owners.

Samoa News was unable to speak to the business owners of this store.

Samoa News checked two other big local outlets that usually sell romaine lettuce but they are heeding the health advisories, and have removed the item completely from their produce section.

No specific batch numbers or identifying information have been provided for the romaine lettuce suspected to be linked to the E-coli outbreak, and that's why the CDC has issued a general warning, cautioning everyone not to consume any romaine lettuce.

"No common grower, supplier, distributor, or brand of romaine lettuce has been identified," said the CDC.

Locals who are adamant about getting their daily serving of greens can still do so, as the DOH has announced that locally grown lettuce is NOT affected by the E-coli outbreak.

According to the CDC, during the month of October, 43 people from 12 states were infected - 16 were hospitalized - with E-coli attributed to the consumption of romaine lettuce.

Since then, 11 more people have been added to the list.

According to the CDC, Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.

"Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection vary for each person, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a fever, which usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5 to 7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.

THINGS TO KNOW

• People usually get sick from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) 2–8 days (average of 3–4 days) after swallowing the germ;
• Some people with a STEC infection may get a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS);
• E. coli infection is usually diagnosed by testing a stool sample;
• Antibiotics are not recommended for patients with suspected E. coli infections until diagnostic testing can be performed and E. coli infection is ruled out. Some studies have shown that administering antibiotics to patients with E. coli infections might increase their risk of developing HUS, and a benefit of treatment has not been clearly demonstrated.