11 E. coli O157:H7 cases likely tied to cheese sold or tasted at Costco stores in October have been found in Arizona. Overall, more than two dozen cases of E. coli in five states, also including Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and California, are likely tied to such cheese, the Arizona Department of Health Services said in a news release. The illnesses may be associated with cheese served and sold at “Cheese Road Shows” Costco held in October, the Arizona health officials said.
Federal, state and local health officials are working to determine the type of cheese causing illness. Preliminary data are pointing to the Dutch style Gouda, but health officials are still investigating, the news release said. The Arizona State Public Health Laboratory is now testing several samples.