ISTANBUL

An E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots has killed one person and sickened at least 38 others across 18 US states, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cases were reported between Sept. 6-Oct. 28 in 18 states, with Washington, Minnesota, and New York having the highest numbers, the CDC said Sunday, adding that 15 people have been hospitalized from a total of 39 cases.

It warned that the outbreak may have spread to other states, and that the true number of infections is likely to be higher than currently reported.

"Interviews with sick people and traceback findings show that organic whole and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms are making people sick," the CDC noted.

Stressing that these products are no longer available for purchase in stores but may still be in people's homes, it called on people to "check (their) ... refrigerators and throw them away."