HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County health officials are stressing the announcement from the Centers for Disease Control regarding an E. coli outbreak in romaine lettuce.

The CDC announced Tuesday afternoon that all romaine lettuce should be discarded and warned the public not to purchase romaine lettuce for any reason.

Karen Smith, assistant director of clinical services, says there are some factors weighing on the outright request to dispose of all romaine lettuce:

 

This is the second such outbreak of E. coli in romaine lettuce this year. E. coli can cause nausea, vomiting and aches. In more serious cases, it can cause kidney failure and lower immunity.