16 People Sickened In 12-State E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Raw Cake Batter: Is Your State Affected?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an E. coli outbreak in 12 states that has been linked to raw cake batter.

The agency has received reports of 16 people who have been potentially sickened by tasting or eating raw cake batter made from a variety of cake mixes.

There have been seven hospitalizations reported from the outbreak, with one person developing a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths have been reported.

The CDC said that a single brand or type of cake mix has not been linked to the E. coli illnesses.

Of the 16 people who have potentially become ill from the raw cake batter, 75% are children under the age of 18, who are more likely to have a severe E. coli infection, the CDC said. Other people sickened ranged from ages 2 to 73.

The E. coli outbreak occurred in 12 states, including Washington, Oregon, Utah, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, South Carolina, and Massachusetts.

The outbreak of cases were reported from Feb. 26 to June 21.

The CDC believes that the outbreak may be larger than what has been reported and may be occurring in more states than what has been identified due to people not being tested for the illness and recovering without medical attention.

According to the CDC, eating raw cake batter can make you sick because it contains germs like E. coli, which are only killed when baked or cooked.

The CDC urges people not to taste or eat any raw batter, whether it is a homemade recipe or from a mix. They recommend baking or cooking the raw batter before eating it to prevent illness and to follow all recipe and package directions for cooking or baking at the proper temperature and for the specified timeframe.

In addition, all prep surfaces, bowls, utensils, and countertops should be thoroughly cleaned after handling cake mix, flour, or eggs. Hands should also be washed with hot water and soap after handling cake mix, flour, raw eggs, or any surfaces they have touched.

E. coli symptoms can include diarrhea that can be bloody, a high fever of more than 102° F, vomiting, and dehydration.

If you experience any symptoms of E. coli illness, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately.