Health Highlights: Nov. 3, 2015

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Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Ground Beef Products from All American Meats Recalled Due to Possible E. Coli Contamination

More than 167,000 pounds of ground beef products are being recalled by All American Meats, Inc. due to possible contamination with potentially deadly E. coli bacteria.

The nationwide recall is for ground beef products produced by the company in Omaha, Nebraska on Oct. 16, 2015. The problem was discovered Oct. 30 when random testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) discovered E. coli O157:H7 in some of the company’s products.

This type of E. coli can cause dehydration, blood diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (3-4 days, on average) after people are exposed to the bacteria. Most people recover, but some develop kidney failure. Seniors and children younger than age 5 are at greatest risk.

To date, there have been no reports of illnesses associated with the recalled ground beef products sold in 60- and 80-pound boxes, according to FSIS.

Consumers with the products should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. More information about the recall is available on the FSIS website.

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Number of E. Coli Cases in Oregon, Washington Expected to Rise: Health Officials

The number of E. coli cases linked to Chipotle restaurants in Washington state and Oregon is expected to rise, health officials say.

As of Friday, 19 people in western Washington and three people in the Portland area had become sick from E. coli. Seventeen of the patients had recently eaten at a Chipotle restaurant, the Associated Press reported.

Eight of the patients were hospitalized but there are no known deaths.

As news of the outbreak spreads, the list of potential cases is likely to grow, Marisa D’Angeli, medical epidemiologist with the Washington State Department of Health, told the AP.

Anyone who became sick with intestinal symptoms after eating at a Chipotle restaurant since mid-October should see their doctor and get tested, she advised. Anyone with blood diarrhea should see a doctor whether they have eaten at Chipotle or not, she added.

All 43 Chipotle restaurants in Washington State and Oregon were voluntary closed by the company. The reopening of the restaurants will be determined by the investigation into the outbreak, Chipotle spokesman Chris Arnold told the AP.

There are no plans to close any other restaurants in other states, he added.

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