A multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157:H7) infections is currently being investigated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

To date, at least seven people in four different states--Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and West Virginia--have been infected with STEC O157:H7, five of which have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Based on a combination of traceback, epidemiologic and laboratory tests, the outbreak has been linked to products produced by Adams Farm Slaughterhouse in Athol, MA. The company recalled beef, bison and veal products soon after the outbreak was confirmed. Adams Farm’s products are believed to have been shipped to retailers, restaurants and farmers markets in the New England area, specifically Connecticut, Massachusetts and parts of eastern New York. Some neighboring states may have also received meat shipments from Adams Farm.

The CDC is urging consumers, restaurants and retailers not to use, cook, serve or sell any meat it may have received from Adams Farms.

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