Health officials: Don't eat raw clover sprouts

Idaho and Washington public health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli infections in northern Idaho and eastern Washington involving seven confirmed and three probable cases.

Initial investigation has determined that the outbreak may be related to people eating raw clover sprouts. The sprouts were consumed in sandwiches from restaurants in Idaho and Washington. As the investigation continues, public health officials are advising against eating raw clover sprouts.

Raw clover sprouts are sold in restaurants, delis, supermarkets and specialty food stores. Public health officials advise people who have raw clover sprouts at home to throw them out.

Three Kootenai County adults and seven people from Washington have become sick with E. coli infections. Nine of the 10 people who became ill reported eating raw clover sprouts in the 10 days prior to becoming ill. Five of those people, including two Idaho residents, were hospitalized. The infection has not caused any deaths.

“Until the investigation is complete, we recommend that people avoid consuming raw clover sprouts,” said Mary Petty, Panhandle Health District’s epidemiology program manager.

Idaho public health officials in the Panhandle Health District and Division of Public Health are working with the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the cause of the illness.

E. coli is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, often bloody, severe abdominal cramps, vomiting and a low-grade fever. Most people recover in five to seven days, but E. coli can be severe and life-threatening, particularly for very young children and the elderly.

Anyone who’s recently consumed raw clover sprouts and has diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps should seek medical attention.

PHD will provide updated information as it becomes available on its website, www.phd1.idaho.gov, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/iphd1.