A recent outbreak of E. coli poisoning in Minnesota has affected at least 15 individuals, linked to a national recall of over 167,000 pounds of potentially unsafe ground beef, as reported by federal health authorities.

Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, initiated the recall earlier this week following reports from Minnesota state agriculture officials about multiple cases of illness. Investigators discovered that one of their product samples tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, a strain that can lead to severe and life-threatening infections.

As for the illnesses, all reported cases have been confined to Minnesota, with no similar incidents confirmed in other states, according to information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Those affected became ill between November 2 and November 10, and the investigation into the outbreak is still ongoing.

E. coli is a type of bacterium commonly found in the environment, present in water, food, and the intestines of both animals and humans. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can lead to serious health complications.

The symptoms of infection typically manifest quickly, within one or two days after consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and signs of dehydration. The infection poses a higher risk of causing severe kidney complications, particularly in young children under five years old, which necessitates urgent medical care.

Measures are in place to monitor the situation, as health officials aim to trace the source of the outbreak and prevent further cases of illness.