E.coli in beef linked to 19 illnesses in Ohio

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A sample of raw ground beef was found to contain the same harmful strain of E.coli O157:H7 bacteria that caused outbreaks in Ohio and Michigan and sickened 19 in Ohio in recent weeks, the state's departments of health and agriculture said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Information submitted with the positive beef sample indicates the product was purchased at the Kroger Marketplace in Gahanna. It is important for consumers to realize beef purchased from other sources may also be tainted, and steps should be taken to protect themselves from foodborne illnesses," the statement said.

"The department is working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to perform a trace back investigation to find the source of this ground beef," Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs said in the statement.

The Ohio Department of Health and local health departments in six counties continue to investigate 19 Ohio cases of E. coli O157:H7 that have been linked genetically and epidemiologically to cases in Michigan.

(Reporting by Bob Burgdorfer)