E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 23,000 Across 47 States, With Two Deaths and Over 500 Hospitalizations

Michigan health officials reported the two fatalities Monday, and federal authorities have expanded linked cases from nine to 15 states, though the CDC and FDA have yet to update their public outbreak pages. An HHS spokesperson said updates would come this week, and the CDC plans to establish a formal response team. Cases began in June, with Michigan hardest hit at 12,218 infections since June 22. The deaths involved individuals with significant underlying conditions.

The FDA traced cases to Taylor Farms' shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico, distributed to Taco Bell and other outlets. The newly added states are Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. Taylor Farms recalled lettuce in 27 states on July 17 but has not disclosed product details.

The FDA previously retracted a positive test result for the lettuce, calling it a false positive. Sources for The New York Times said that the CDC plans to set up a formal response team.