**Ground Beef Recall Tied to E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 15 in Minnesota**

A troubling E. coli outbreak has hit Minnesota, with at least 15 people falling ill due to potentially contaminated ground beef. The incidents have prompted a nationwide recall of over 167,000 pounds of the meat. The recall was issued by Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. this week after multiple illnesses were reported in Minnesota. The Minnesota state agriculture department conducted tests that identified the presence of E. coli O157:H7, a strain of the bacteria that can lead to severe and life-threatening infections.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, all the reported cases have been confined to Minnesota, with no sicknesses reported from other states so far. The individuals affected in Minnesota fell ill between November 2 and November 10, triggering an ongoing investigation into the matter.

E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in various environments such as water, food, and the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains of E. coli are harmless, some, like E. coli O157:H7, can cause serious health issues. Symptoms of E. coli infection typically manifest quickly, often within a day or two after consuming contaminated food. These symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and signs of dehydration. In severe cases, particularly in children under 5, the infection can lead to a serious type of kidney injury, necessitating immediate medical intervention.