2021 Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O121:H19 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce
In November 2021, public health officials in Washington and Minnesota investigated an outbreak of E. coli O121:H19 involving 4 persons whose isolates were indistinguishable by WGS. Illness began on dates ranging from November 21, 2021 to November 26, 2021. The two Washington cases reported eating romaine lettuce at Panera Bread. The two Minnesota cases reported eating romaine lettuce at Chipotle. Two people also ate arugula, kale or red lettuce. All four reported consuming chicken. No one was hospitalized and no one died.
The romaine lettuce ultimately was traced to ultimately traced back to romaine lettuce from Taylor Farms in Salinas, California.
CDC Cluster Code: POB2112MLEXK-1; NORS Report: 299157
Tags:
stec, produce, leafy greens, non O157Overview
| Outbreak began: | November 2021 |
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| Affected country: | US |
| States/territories: | MN, WA |
| Pathogen: | E. coli O121:H19 |
| Vehicle(s): | Leafy greens |
| Location(s): | Restaurant |
| Brand name(s): | Panera Bread, Chipotle Mexican Grill |
| Molecular test results: | Allele code: EC1.0-18.1.14.38.16 |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 4 |
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