BOSTON – Massachusetts health officials are investigating a strain of E. coli that may be linked to one found in several other states.

The state Department of Public Health said Monday that five of six Massachusetts victims had been hospitalized. Ages of those sickened ranged between 3 and 60. The people reported becoming ill between July 10 and July 16.

Reports said that a source of contamination has not be identified but investigators are focusing on ground beef.

Another outbreak traced to beef products produced by Nebraska Beef Limited has sickened people in Michigan, Ohio and Georgia. The beef identified in that outbreak as the source has been recalled nationwide.

Source: Associated Press