ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — E. coli found in St. Louis County cases have been connected to six other states, according to the St. Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH). 

Health officials say there have been 115 cases of E. coli in St. Louis County, including 13 hospitalizations and three have been diagnosed with a severe complication caused by the bacterial infection.

The outbreak has been linked to multiple events catered by or hosted at Andre’s Banquets and Catering, including those by Rockwood Summit High School and Oakville High School. 

Genetic testing has confirmed 25 cases linked to the business, according to the St. Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH). Officials say additional confirmed cases with a similar genetic profile have been reported in Illinois, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio and Indiana.

DPH’s investigation continues to suggest that the exposure came from leafy greens. 

“With 25 cases tied to one specific business and no significant increase in new cases expected, we are confident that we are nearing the conclusion of this outbreak investigation,” said Dr. Kanika Cunningham, director of DPH.

“The depth of this investigation reflects the commitment of our team and the community to uncover critical details and protect public health.” 

The owner of Andre’s previously told Spectrum News that his business is not responsible for the outbreak and that he has cooperated with authorities from the beginning.

Lettuce taken from Andre’s by state investigators tested negative for E. coli late last month. Before any testing was done, DPH named Andre’s as the link to the outbreak. 

“Nearly a month after its investigation began, St. Louis County health officials are still working to find the cause of our local outbreak. Today, they confirmed genetic sequencing of local cases has now connected the outbreak with cases in at least six other states,” said Ed Rhode, a spokesperson for Andre’s.

“We have said all along that it was unfair to name Andre's before the lettuce was tested before the investigation was complete. We look forward to St. Louis County finishing its work and finding the source of our local outbreak." 

DPH received a high number of surveys from those who became sick after attending the off-campus events.

“We are immensely grateful for the cooperation of affected individuals and families, particularly those who participated in surveys. This data has been essential to our progress and confidence in these findings,” Cunningham said.

DPH continues to collaborate with state and national health partners to review data and finalize findings.

The department says that a priority is public education on food safety and prevention measures as the investigation nears its conclusion.

For questions or concerns, DPH can be reached at 314-615-1630.