Flour recalled after dozens sickened by E. coli

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a warning about a strain of E. coli believed to be connected to flour produced at a General Mills facility in Kansas City.

"This type of E. coli can be deadly," said IDPH Director Dr. Nirav Shah. "It's a serious bacteria."

General Mills has issued a voluntary recall for several different sizes and varieties of Gold Medal, Gold Medal Wondra and Signature Kitchens Flour due to the outbreak.

The first case popped up in late December and no one has died in the multi-state outbreak.

"If you got one of those types of flours in your pantry, throw it out," said Dr. Shah. "If you keep your flour in a separate bin, throw that out and make sure you wash the bin out before replacing it."

38 people in 20 states, including four in Illinois have become ill. Three of the Illinois cases are in Chicago, suburban Cook County and McHenry County.

Most people infected with E. coli get bloody diarrhea and severe stomach cramps three to four days after being exposed. They recover within a week.

For some groups, like young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, it can cause kidney failure.

"If you develop symptoms like that, we ask everyone to go visit their healthcare provider who can evaluate you to see if you got this E. coli, whether it is connected to this outbreak," said Dr. Shah.

For a full list of all products included in the recall, click here.

For IDPH advice for consumers on the recall, click here.