An E. coli outbreak that began in St. Louis County has spread across six states, with health officials narrowing their focus on leafy greens as the likely culprit. The investigation, led by the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, has identified 115 cases, 13 hospitalizations, and three instances of severe complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
A Regional Crisis
The outbreak has been traced back to events catered by André’s Banquets and Catering in Missouri, where 25 genetically linked cases were identified, making it the epicenter of the crisis. However, similar genetic profiles have been found in cases from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, North Dakota, and South Dakota, suggesting contamination at the supplier level.
“Whether that contamination occurred at the farm or on a truck, that part we don’t know,” said Amanda Brzozowski, senior epidemiologist with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. While unopened lettuce tested negative for E. coli, officials caution that this does not rule out leafy greens as the source.
The Human Toll
The outbreak has caused significant suffering, with two patients still hospitalized, including a child with acute kidney failure. Jory Lange, a food safety attorney representing affected families, confirmed that at least four lawsuits have been filed against André’s. “It’s clear that the contamination happened upstream from André’s,” Lange said, noting the catastrophic impact on his clients.
Despite these assertions, André’s has denied responsibility, pointing to the multistate spread as evidence that the issue lies with the supply chain. “We’ve cooperated fully and await the investigation’s conclusion,” said Ed Rhode, a spokesperson for André’s.
Impact on the Community
The Rockwood School District, where some of the earliest cases were identified, has been proactive in supporting affected individuals. “We take the safety of our community very seriously,” said Mary LaPak, the district’s communications officer.
Dr. Kanika Cunningham, director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, expressed confidence in the findings as the investigation nears its end. “With 25 cases tied to one business and no significant rise in new cases, we are confident we’re nearing a conclusion,” she said.
Lessons Learned
This outbreak underscores the challenges of tracking foodborne illnesses, especially when contamination occurs upstream in the supply chain. As officials finalize their report, the focus remains on supporting affected families and preventing future outbreaks.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of those impacted,” Dr. Cunningham said, emphasizing the importance of shared data in resolving the crisis.