E. coli outbreaks from tainted beef bite out
Of those infected, 21 have been admitted to hospital. No deaths have been reported. The infected areas aged from less than 1 to 84 years old, with a medieval age of 18 years.
The cases include people who have eaten beef since March 1, said the agency, but no vendor, distributor or brand of Biff has been identified.
"Traceback surveys are underway to determine the source of raw beef delivered to grocery stores and restaurant locations where sick people reported eating," the CDC said.
"Diseases that occurred after March 29 may not have been reported due to the time taken between when a person becomes ill with E. coli and when the disease is reported. This takes on average two to three weeks," CDC said. .
States affected by the outbreak are Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Indiana, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi and Minnesota.
There is no definitive relationship between these products and the ongoing E. coli outbreak, the agency says.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. They start on average three to four days after ingestion of the bacteria. Most restore for five to seven days.
Consumers are encouraged to prevent the spread of E. coli by washing their hands frequently, preparing ground meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees and keeping uncooked foods away from raw beef to prevent cross-contamination.
CNN's belief Karimi contributed to this report.
