Ohio E. coli Outbreak: Wendy's Lettuce Linked To Illness, CDC Says

DUBLIN, OH — Wendy's restaurants will remove romaine from sandwiches at several locations after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked the lettuce to an outbreak of E. coli in Ohio and three other states.

The CDC on Friday said a total of 37 people have been infected with E. coli since late July, an increase of eight cases from earlier this week. Illnesses were first reported in Ohio and Michigan, but health officials have since confirmed cases in Pennsylvania and Indiana as well.

So far, as many as 20 cases have been confirmed in Ohio, according to the CDC.

• RELATED: 'Fast-Moving' E. coli Outbreak Spreads Across Ohio: CDC

Health officials are still working to confirm whether Wendy's romaine lettuce is responsible for the illnesses; however, 22 of 26 infected people interviewed by the CDC reported eating burgers and sandwiches with romaine lettuce at Wendy’s restaurants before getting sick.

The CDC said there is no evidence that romaine sold in grocery stores is linked to the E. coli outbreak, The Associated Press reported. The agency also said it is not advising people to stop eating at Wendy’s or not to eat romaine lettuce.

Wendy’s told The AP that lettuce used in its salads is different and not affected by its decision to pull the lettuce from sandwiches. The company said it is cooperating with the CDC.

“As a company, we are committed to upholding our high standards of food safety and quality,” Wendy's said in a statement.

According to federal health officials, the number of E. coli cases is likely underreported and it's possible the outbreak may have spread to other states.

E. coli is often accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees
• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• Excessive vomiting / unable to keep liquids down
• Dehydration (signs include dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing, and lack of urination)

The CDC offers tips on how to avoid or reduce the risk of E. coli on its website.