Publix E. coli Alert
Twelve sickened with E. coli from frozen blueberries sold at Publix stores.
Twelve people have fallen sick with E. coli linked to frozen blueberries sold at Publix supermarkets, prompting a recall across eight states, according to 10TV. The affected product was sold at Publix locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
E. coli is a bacteria that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In serious cases, it can lead to kidney failure. Health officials are urging anyone who bought frozen blueberries from Publix to check their freezer right away, WQAD reported.
Eight States Affected by the Publix Blueberry Recall
The recalled frozen blueberries were shipped to Publix stores across eight southeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Those states are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, according to 5 News Online. Publix is one of the largest supermarket chains in the Southeast, with hundreds of stores across the region.
Shoppers who bought frozen blueberries at any Publix location in those states should stop eating the product immediately. They should throw it away or return it to the store for a refund. Do not eat it even if some of it looks or smells fine, WNEP noted.
What E. Coli Does to the Body
E. coli is short for Escherichia coli. Most strains are harmless, but certain types can make people very sick. Symptoms usually appear three to four days after eating contaminated food. They include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting, according to 13WMAZ.
In the worst cases, E. coli can cause a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. HUS can lead to kidney failure and is especially dangerous for young children and older adults. Anyone showing signs of severe illness should see a doctor right away, FOX61 reported.
Who Is Most at Risk and What to Do Now
Young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system face the greatest risk from E. coli. These groups can get much sicker than healthy adults. Health officials strongly advise these individuals to act quickly if they have the recalled product at home, according to WQAD.
If you have eaten frozen blueberries from Publix and feel sick, write down what you ate and when. Then contact your doctor. You can also report your illness to your local health department. Early reporting helps officials track the outbreak and prevent more people from getting sick, 10TV noted.
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