Experts: Throw away your romaine lettuce

The number of E. coli cases in Idaho has increased to 10, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The infections are linked to the recent E. coli outbreak in romaine lettuce that has affected 53 people across 16 states.

CDC investigations indicate that romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Ariz., growing region could be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

According to Katherine Hoyer, public information officer at Panhandle Health District, the only reported case in North Idaho was in Boundary County. She said that case remains under investigation.

All 10 Idahoans who have become ill reported eating romaine lettuce in the 10 days prior to experiencing symptoms, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Three of those individuals were hospitalized, and two developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome related to the E. coli infection.

All hospitalized individuals in Idaho were adults between the ages of 20 and 55.

To this point, 31 people nationwide have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak, including five who have developed kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

The CDC recommends that customers avoid eating or purchasing romaine lettuce unless they can confirm it was not grown in the Yuma, Ariz., growing region.

No common grower, supplier, distributor or brand has been identified yet.

The warning includes whole heads and hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped romaine, as well as salads and salad mixes containing romaine.

People who currently have store-bought romaine lettuce in their homes are urged to throw it away, even if someone in the household ate the product without getting sick.

At this moment, Hoyer said neither the CDC nor Panhandle Health has been able to pinpoint a solid timeframe for when romaine will be safe to eat again and advised customers to remain vigilant.

The CDC also encouraged restaurants and retailers to confirm the source of their romaine with their suppliers before serving or selling it to customers.

Ron McIntire, owner of 15 Super 1 Foods in the area, said his stores have pulled all romaine lettuce from their shelves until the product receives certification from the Department of Agriculture.

Idaho has been hit harder by the outbreak than any other state, with the exception of Pennsylvania, where 12 cases have been confirmed.

Elsewhere in the Northwest, Montana has reported six cases, and Washington has reported a single case.

Other states with multiple confirmed cases include New Jersey with seven, Arizona with three, and Connecticut, Michigan, New York and Ohio with two.

Alaska, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri and Virginia have also reported one case each.

E. coli is a bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, vomiting and low-grade fever.

Most people recover from the infection in five to seven days. However, E. coli can be life-threatening, especially to young children and the elderly.

Anyone who has eaten romaine lettuce and experienced any of these symptoms is urged to seek medical attention.