Nationwide Illness Outbreak Prompts Focus on Leafy Greens

Why it matters locally: As a highly urbanized area relying on national food supply chains, the District of Columbia is susceptible to foodborne illness outbreaks, and local health authorities would be monitoring the situation closely for any potential cases within the city.

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Federal health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of a foodborne gastrointestinal illness. The illness has affected individuals in 31 states, leading to 86 hospitalizations. Michigan health authorities identified lettuce or salad greens as a potential source of the illness. Officials have not yet confirmed a specific type of leafy green or a definitive origin point for the wider outbreak.