State laboratory tests will take several days to determine whether four people sick in Colorado are part of a 21-state E. coli outbreak blamed on contaminated spinach.
Confirming E. coli and tracing it to the specific bacteria linked to the outbreak is a two-step process, said state epidemiologist Ken Gershman.
Tainted spinach is believed to have sickened at least 113 people and caused the death of a 77-year-old Wisconsin woman.
Colorado’s state health department is testing two specimen samples and is awaiting a third and possibly a fourth, said department spokesman Mark Salley.
The suspected cases were in Denver, Boulder and Gunnison.
Meat – especially beef – is often linked to the bacteria E. coli 0157:H7. It can also grow in vegetables, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Manure from cattle and other animals used as fertilizer can contaminate lettuce and other produce, the CDC reports.
Some evidence links this outbreak to spinach distributed by Natural Selection Foods LLC of California, which has recalled all packages of its fresh spinach and any salad with spinach. The recalled packages have “Best if used by dates” of Aug. 17 through Oct. 1. Consumers can call the company at 800-690-3200.
Staff writer Karen Augé can be reached at 303-954-1733 or kauge@denverpost.com.
