The outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 apparently linked to Federico’s Mexican Restaurant in Litchfield Park, Arizona has grown to include 52 people. Of those, 18 people have been hospitalized. According to ABC 15, Dr. Bob England, director of the Maricopa County Departments of Health (MCDPH), said that a few of the patients have experienced renal failure.
In an E. coli O157:H7 infection, renal, or kidney failure is caused by hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication of this type of food poisoning. The bacteria releases shiga toxins, which enter the bloodstream and attack and kill red blood cells, clogging ducts in the kidneys and shutting them down.
Dr. England also said, “it is only this one Federico’s establishment where many of the cases have reported eating or purchasing food.” The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department has taken food samples and inspected the restaurant.
If you or anyone you know ate at the Federico’s Mexican Food restaurant at 13132 West Camelback, on or after July 23, 2013 and are experiencing bloody diarrhea, see a health care provider as soon as possible. Other E. coli O157:H7 symptoms include severe stomach and abdominal cramps, possible mild fever, and possible nausea and vomiting. The MCDPH’s disease reporting hotline at 602-747-7500 should also be contacted.
A stool sample can determine if an E. coli infection is present. An E. coli O157:H7 infection cannot be treated with antibiotics, as this can increase the risk of HUS. Anyone suffering this type of infection should be under a doctor’s care, since complications of this illness can lead to seizures, stroke, pancreatitis, central nervous system disturbances, hemolytic anemia, heart attack, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
