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E. coli cases linked to Arizona lettuce go beyond CDC estimates

At least 45 cases nationwide are tied to the outbreak. Experts are saying we could see more.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Chopped romaine lettuce out of Yuma may be behind more cases of E. coli than reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC, there are 35 cases of E. coli infection linked to chopped romaine lettuce coming out of Yuma and Division Manager with the Coconino County Public Health Services District, Randy Phillips, said that lettuce could be going anywhere.

RELATED: Contaminated Arizona-grown lettuce: What you need to know about E. coli

“Even though it’s produced in Yuma, it’s a product that could be distributed throughout the country and even other countries,” Phillips said.

In a press release Friday, the Arizona Department of Health Services stated three cases in the state were also tied to this multistate outbreak. The following Monday, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced three confirmed and four pending cases were likely linked to chopped romaine lettuce sourced from the winter growing areas in Yuma, bringing the nationwide total to at least 45 cases.

Phillips said consumers can protect themselves from becoming the next victim.

“A packaged romaine lettuce that’s chopped, I’d recommend that you either take it back to the store or throw it out, do not consume it,” Phillips said.

The United States Department of Agriculture announced last weekend, Fresh Foods Manufacturing Co. voluntarily recalled four of its great-to-go, ready-to-eat salads containing romaine which may be contaminated.

Phillips said anyone who thinks they’ve eaten contaminated romaine and are experiencing “diarrhea and nausea and sometimes a fever, but generally a very low fever and it can actually turn into bloody diarrhea,” should head to the doctor.

A representative with the Arizona Department of Agriculture said Monday, romaine was no longer being distributed out of Arizona because it was the time of year when it is sourced from Salinas, California.

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