MDHHS is working closely with local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the U.S. Currently there is not a recommendation to avoid eating at Wendy’s while the restaurant works with local public health departments to remove potentially implicated products. While a specific food item has not yet been identified as the source of illnesses, investigations are ongoing and focusing on sandwiches topped with romaine lettuce. More than 55% of the Michigan outbreak cases reported consumption of food items at Wendy’s restaurant locations. “Additionally, we urge residents to take proper precautions when handling food and practice safe food preparation.” Alexis Travis, senior deputy director of public health administration at MDHHS. coli illness such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting or other gastrointestinal distress,” said Dr. “We are reminding residents in Michigan to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of E. Four cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that occurs in some people diagnosed with STEC infection, have been identified. Among the Michigan outbreak cases with available information to date, 56% have been hospitalized. The age range of those affected are 6 to 94 years old. Outbreak cases have been reported from 18 jurisdictions including the counties of Allegan, Branch, Clinton, Genesee, Gratiot, Jackson, Kent, Macomb, Midland, Monroe, Muskegon, Oakland, Ogemaw, Ottawa, Saginaw, Washtenaw, and Wayne and the City of Detroit. The illness onset dates range from late July through early August. coli O157 cases matched with the outbreak strain. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is issuing an updated public health alert regarding additional illnesses of shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) across the state associated with the multi-state outbreak.