Wisconsin records first case of E. coli from flour contamination

Wisconsin has recorded its first case of E. coli linked to flour, becoming one of 20 states so far affected by a national outbreak of the disease connected to General Mills products.

Neighboring states have been the hardest hit by the outbreak of Escherichic coli infections. Illinois and Michigan have reported four cases each, and Minnesota has reported three. The other states have all reported two or fewer cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked the contaminated flour to the General Mills facility in Kansas City, Missouri. On May 31, General Mills recalled several different sizes and varieties of Gold Medal Flour, Gold Medal Wondra Flour, and Signature Kitchens Flour due to possible E. coli contamination.

Ten people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, but none has died.

CDC officials urge consumers to: dispose of recalled products, avoid eating raw dough, clean up thoroughly after baking, and contact health care providers if illness is suspected.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of infection typically begin three or four days after exposure, but they might begin as soon as one day afterward to more than a week later. Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody
• Abdominal cramping, pain or tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting.

The clinic advises contacting your doctor if your diarrhea is persistent, severe or bloody.

To learn how to identify the recalled brands, click here.