A total of 35 people were infected with the outbreak strain in 19 states, according to the agency. No deaths were reported, however nine people were hospitalized and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.
In March, public health officials identified the outbreak strain of STEC O121 in two different Farm Rich brand frozen products collected from the homes of two infected persons. On April 4, Rich Products Corp., which manufactured the affected product, expanded a voluntary recall to include all products made at its Waycross, Ga., plant. This included the company's Farm Rich, Market Day and Schwan's brand frozen food products. The recalled totaled 10.5 million lbs. of product.
CDC said the outbreak appears to be over, but expressed concern that recalled products may still be in consumers' refrigerators. The agency is advising the public to check their freezers for recalled products.
The number of affected people identified in each state was as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), California (1), Colorado (1), Florida (2), Illinois (2), Indiana (2), Michigan (3), Missouri (1), Mississippi (1), New York (4), Ohio (6), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (3), Utah (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).
