Ten Minnesotans have been sickened and three hospitalized after eating romaine lettuce that has been linked to multiple E. coli infections across the country.
The 10 are Minnesota's first cases in a national outbreak of toxic E. coli O157 that has sickened more than 121 people and caused one death.
"This particular strain does appear to be more severe than what we might normally see," said Amy Saupe, a foodborne disease epidemiologist for the Minnesota Department of Health, which announced the illnesses Tuesday.
Cases have continued to emerge nationally even after the first reports appeared in New Jersey in early April.
The infections have been traced largely to lettuce grown in the Yuma region of Arizona. While lettuce from the region should have been removed from grocery stores by now, state health officials warned consumers to check their refrigerators.
"Do not eat, buy, or sell romaine lettuce unless you can confirm it is not from the Yuma growing region," said Kirk Smith, a manager of the health department's foodborne diseases unit.
The Minnesotans suffered their illnesses between April 20 and May 2, and reported eating lettuce from stores, restaurants or residential facilities. Most were women. The cases occurred statewide.
Two of the stricken individuals suffered hemolytic-uremic syndrome, a potentially fatal complication that can cause kidney failure, due to their infections. One remains hospitalized.