E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Cake Mix, 2 Ohioans Hospitalized

OHIO — A nationwide E. coli outbreak that has sickened two Ohioans has been linked to cake mix, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced.

As of last week, 16 people across 12 states have been infected. The first sign of illness manifested Feb. 26, 2021 and the latest illness started June 21, 2021.

Symptoms of E. coli include high fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, blood in your stool and dehydration, the CDC said. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

All of the infected people are women, the CDC said. They range in age from 2 to 73. Seven of the 16 infected people have been hospitalized and one person has developed a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

Investigators believe the sickened people all ate raw batter made with cake mix prior to getting sick. However, the infected people reported buying different brands of cake mix.

The FDA is trying to trace the cake mixes to a common brand or factory. While investigators look into the origin of the illness, Ohioans should avoid eating any raw cake batter.

"CDC advises people not to eat raw cake batter, whether made from a mix or homemade. Eating raw cake batter can make you sick. Raw cake batter can contain harmful bacteria. Bacteria are killed only when raw batter is baked or cooked," the organizations said in a statement.