Five Arizona residents have contracted E. coli, the state health department confirmed Friday.
In addition, the Arizona Department of Health Services says people should avoid eating any product that contains romaine lettuce. That includes whole heads and hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped romaine, and salads or salad mixes that contain romaine.
The E. coli outbreak is spread across Arizona and a number of states. So far, four people have become ill in Maricopa County and one in Pinal County.
“E. coli can cause serious illness, so it is critical that everyone take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease," ADHS Director Cara Christ said in a release. "If you or someone from your family recently ate romaine lettuce and are experiencing symptoms, please seek medical treatment immediately.”
Symptoms of E. coli include diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and abdominal pain, and can last up to seven days.
Anyone eating out at a restaurant should confirm that lettuce is not from the Yuma, Arizona region before eating.