The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) provided an update on a multi-state outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O103 infections that has sickened 109 people since March 2, 2019.

“Seventeen people have been hospitalized. No cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure, have been reported. No deaths have been reported,” CDC stated.

Preliminary epidemiologic information suggests that ground beef is the source of this outbreak. However, CDC said the investigation is ongoing.

“Traceback investigations are ongoing to determine the source of ground beef supplied to grocery stores and restaurant locations where ill people ate,” CDC stated. “At this time, no common supplier, distributor or brand of ground beef has been identified.”

CDC is not recommending that people avoid eating ground beef at this time. Consumers and restaurants should handle ground beef safely and cook it thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness. CDC is also not recommending that retailers stop serving or selling ground beef.

“This is a rapidly evolving investigation. We will provide updates as more information becomes available,” CDC said.