October 6, 2005 SALAD1007
The state health department says six more Minnesotans have been hospitalized due to an E. coli outbreak connected with Dole pre-packaged lettuce sold in Rainbow Foods grocery stores.
There are now 17 confirmed cases and eight hospitalizations.
Health Department spokesman Doug Schultz says one victim has developed a severe complication that can cause kidney failure.
In addition to the 17 known cases, Schultz says six family members of the infected have become ill, but tests haven't confirmed that they have E. Coli. One of those family members is in the hospital.
Most of the cases originated in the metro area, but there is one from Martin County in southern Minnesota.
The affected Dole products have a "best-if-used-by'' date of Sept. 22 and 23.