By BRIANA ARRINGTON

bca008@latech.edu

 

Popeye said spinach made him strong, but a recent outbreak of Escherichia Coli, or E. Coli, found in bagged spinach made many people sick.

A Fresno County Health Official said since late August, over 150 people have become ill by spinach tainted with harmful E. Coli.

Larry Sellers, a biology professor, said E. Coli is everywhere and all organisms, including humans, have a different type in their system.

“It just so happens this particular strain found in spinach proved dangerous to the people,” Sellers said.

Dr. Mark Horton, the state public health officer in California, said in an interview with Fox News Channel Sept. 20 the outbreak resulted when cow manure seeped into packaged spinach at a California factory.

“We believe we have finally found the source of the outbreak,” Horton said.

A news release by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said test results linking two bags of Dole brand baby spinach to a deadly E. Coli strain have helped health officials hone in on the source of the outbreak.

The tainted greens came from specific batches from processing plants in three California counties; San Juan Bautista, Santa Clara and San Benito processing plants.

According to a report by the FDA, one person in Wisconsin has died, and 29 people have had kidney failure.

The FDA reported the nationwide warning against spinach has been lifted.

However, there are strong precautions being taken to assure the safety in the three California counties.

Sellers said symptoms of E. Coli can be severe and include diarrhea, fever, nausea and headache.

“It is not typically fatal for college-aged students, but is for children under five and for the elderly,” Sellers said.

Some students still felt a little food-wary during the spinach outbreak.

“I had a cheeseburger with spinach leaves a couple of weekends ago,” said Jake Giehl, a senior communication major, said.

“I didn’t even think about it because it was at a cookout, but a friend warned me afterwards,” Giehl said.

Monica Rude, a freshman business major, said the E. Coli outbreak in spinach was kind of scary. 

“You think it’s not going to happen to you, but it’s a possibility,” Rude said.

“I just hope that the problem is finally solved and I won’t have to worry anymore.”

Mike Michelle, food service director for Tech, said students in Louisiana probably do not have anything to worry about. There have been no reports of an E. Coli case in Louisiana. Wisconsin accounts for about one-third of the cases.

Nonetheless, Michelle said Tech is still taking precautions to keep the students safe.

“Our housing and dining services were very proactive, and they pulled all of their spinach products off of their menus,” Michelle said.

Sellers said consumers are probably seeing the tail-end of the outbreak, but largely due to spinach being taken off the market.

“People should still take the necessary precautions to avoid it,” Sellers said.

Sellers said symptoms of the infection can be present for five to 10 days.

“The incubation period for E. Coli is three to four days, although some individuals have symptoms as long as eight days after they consume spinach,” Sellers said.

“The best advice I can give to students is to watch what you eat, wash your hands often, and hope for the best.”