KITCHEN URGES RESIDENTS TO LEARN THE FACTS ABOUT E. COLI

          PHILADELPHIA, December 7 - Following growing concern over a multi-state E. coli bacteria outbreak, including a possible link to Philadelphia, state Sen. Shirley Kitchen is urging residents to learn the details about the bacterium and the symptoms of the illness. 

          “As the number of confirmed E. coli cases spreads into the Philadelphia area, residents should be aware of the facts about this foodborne illness, including the symptoms and the ways you can protect yourself from the bacterium,” Kitchen said.

          Over the last several weeks, there have been numerous E. coli cases linked to Taco Bell restaurants in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

          The Pennsylvania Department of Health is investigating four cases of E.coli in residents in Montgomery County; three of these cases confirmed eating at Taco Bell recently and a fourth case may be linked to a Philadelphia Taco Bell.

         As a result of its own investigation, Taco Bell has voluntarily removed all green onions from all 5,800 chains nationwide. Taco Bell closed all 15 Taco Bell restaurants in Philadelphia yesterday.

          “The Pennsylvania Department of Health offers helpful information on E. coli, which will provide you and your family with the knowledge to avoid contracting it,” Kitchen said.

          E. coli is a bacterial foodborne illness that is commonly associated with eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef or produce, as well as unpasteurized milk and sewage-contaminated water.

          Symptoms of this illness include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, sometimes vomiting or fever and occasionally kidney failure.

          Most people recover without antibiotics or other specific treatment in about a week, although infants and the elderly are most susceptible to severe cases. Antidiarrheal medicine, like Imodium, should not be taken.

          E. coli can be diagnosed by detecting the bacterium in a person’s stool, and can be spread through person-to-person contact if the infected person does not use hygienic practices like thorough hand washing after using the bathroom.

          “Most people fully recover from the illness, but that should not deter you from getting tested if you think you have E. coli,” Kitchen said.

          The Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends cooking all ground beef thoroughly to 160 degrees. Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods and wash your hands after handling raw meat. Also, drink only pasteurized juice, milk and cider and wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them.