costco_wholesale_gettyimages_1374006551448_446408_ver1.0_640_480The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is working with other western states and the CDC to investigate illnesses due to E. coli O157:H7 from chicken salad purchased at Colorado Costco stores in late October.

Consumers with “Chicken Salad made with Rotisserie Chicken” – item number 37719 – purchased from Costco in Colorado should discard it.

Four cases of E. coli O157:H7 have been confirmed in Colorado, including two cases in Jefferson County and one each in Arapahoe and Routt counties. One person was hospitalized; all have recovered. The individuals purchased the product on Oct. 25 and 26 and became ill between Oct. 28 and Nov. 3.

The FDA, USDA-FSIS, and CDC are working with Costco to determine the source of contamination.

Other states with confirmed E. coli cases linked to the chicken salad include Utah, Montana and Washington.

“We are working with Costco,” said Alicia Cronquist, an epidemiologist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “FDA reported to us the product has been removed from the shelves and no longer is for sale in Colorado.”

People who have eaten the product and feel ill should consult with their health care provider.

The Washington State Department of Health, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other western states, are investigating E. coli illnesses from chicken salad purchased from various Costco stores in late October. Washington has confirmed one case of E. coli O157:H7 from King County, who became ill in late October. This confirmed case was not hospitalized.

“We take E. coli very seriously in Washington,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Scott Lindquist, “and we are working with CDC and state partners to determine the source.”

Others states with confirmed E. coli cased linked to Costco chicken salad include Colorado, Montana, and Utah. In addition to CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture are working with Costco to determine the source of the contamination.

People who have eaten this product and feel ill should consult with their health care provider. If you have leftover product in your refrigerator or freezer do not eat it and discard the product. People usually get sick 2-8 days after getting E. coli. Only people who have symptoms should see a health care provider.