The Kentucky E. coli O103 outbreak has now risen to 44 sick, as of April 3, 2019, according to news reports. Six people have been hospitalized in this outbreak, but there is no mention if any have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that can cause strokes. And there are 20 pending cases that are not yet lab-confirmed.
The only official report to date from Kentucky Department of Health lists the outbreak total as 20, but that was posted on Friday, March 29, 2019. This is the largest E. coli outbreak in Kentucky since 2000.
Dr. Mel Bennett, who heads Kentucky’s infectious disease efforts, told WEKU that the outbreak has spread to Tennessee, Ohio, and Georgia. We do not know how many people are sickened in each of those states. Officials still think that some type of food distribution service, possible fast food outlets, may be the source of the pathogen.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an E. coli infection, you can contact attorney Fred Pritzker for help by calling 1-888-377-8900.
Food safety attorney Fred Pritzker said, “This outbreak is growing quickly, and since it can take a couple of weeks for new cases to be diagnosed, it may keep growing.”
Officials have narrowed down the focus of their investigation to beef, chicken, and sliced American cheese. Testing the food takes time, and they may not have answers for a week or two.
Each patient sickened in this outbreak will be interviewed, if they agree, and that can take about an hour for each person. In addition, officials have to collect and test food, and conduct environmental investigations if any specific restaurants are named by those interviewed.
The symptoms of an E. coli infection include painful and severe stomach and abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that is typically bloody and/or watery. If you or anyone you know has been ill with these symptoms, and you live in those four states, see your doctor.
Pritzker Hageman, America’s food safety law firm presents and helps people who have been sickened by contaminated food. We get answers, compensation for those who have been injured, and justice through our work. Our lawyers represent families of children sickened with bacterial infections in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against retailers, grocery stores, food processors, restaurants, daycare centers, schools, and others. Attorney Fred Pritzker and his team won $7.5 million for young client whose kidneys failed because of hemolytic uremic syndrome after an E. coli O157:H7 infection. Please note that class action lawsuits are usually not appropriate for outbreak victims because these types of cases are very unique.
