The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health authorities, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 infections in the USA, where 12 people across two states have been infected. Of these 12 individuals, seven have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. The onset of illnesses spanned from February 1, 2024, to April 4, 2024. Cases of E. coli have been reported in California and Washington state.
State and local public health officials interviewed affected individuals about the foods they consumed the week before falling ill. All 10 of the interviewed individuals (100%) reported eating walnuts. Many of these individuals reported purchasing organic walnuts from bulk bins in food co-ops or natural food stores.
