At least 5 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with E. coli O157 after eating undercooked ground beef the last week of April. Three of them were hospitalized because they were so seriously ill. The likely source of this outbreak is undercooked burgers and other menu items. One man told WOODTV that he ate a rare burger about 4 days before getting sick. The incubation period for E. coli is usually three to four days, so the time frame is right. "If a restaurant sells rare burgers, that burger should be safe to eat, free of any dangerous pathogens like E. coli O157," said Fred Pritzker, a lawyer who represents people sickened by E. coli food poisoning. He and his team won a $4.5 million settlement for a client who contracted an E. coli infection from steak sold at a national chain … [Read more...]
E. coli and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Outbreak in Davidson County, NC: 2 Tyro Middle School Students Hospitalized
The source of the E. coli O157 outbreak in Davidson County, North Carolina, is still unknown. Two children who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) have been hospitalized, both of them students at Tyro Middle School. HUS is a severe complication of an E. coli infection that causes kidney failure and a host of other serious medical problems, including stroke, heart failure, diabetes and pancreatitis. HUS can be fatal. "E. coli outbreaks are most often caused by food contaminated with E. coli bacteria. Even a small bite of food containing these deadly pathogens can cause serious illness or death," said attorney Fred Pritzker, a national E. coli lawyer who represents children with E. coli and HUS. "E. coli can also be caused by animal contact at a petting zoo or fair, and my … [Read more...]
BBQ Shack E coli O157:H7 Outbreak in Toccoa, GA: Update and Video
Attorney Fred Pritzker, national food safety attorney, is providing updated information on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has been associated with eating at the BBQ Shack in Toccoa, Georgia. To date, 18 cases of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported in Stephens County, Georgia. Of the sickened, at least 7 required hospitalization and 5 of those individuals went on to develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)- a very serious complication of shiga toxin producing E.coli infections that can cause kidney failure and death, especially in children and the elderly. Health investigators did not find the menu item at the BBQ Shack that was contaminated with E. coli. This does not prevent E. coli victims and their families from filing lawsuits against the BBQ Shack for compensation, according to … [Read more...]
Fifteen People Now Ill in E. coli 0157 Outbreak in Canada
An E. coli 0157 outbreak in Canada has grown to include 15 people. Ten people have been reported ill in Nova Scotia, and five people are ill in New Brunswick. No source of the illnesses has been found. According to a translation by Google, five cases were reported by the Capital District Health, two cases in the Guysborough Antigonish Strait, and one case each in Pictou County, Cumberland, and Colchester East Hants. In New Brunswick, two cases were reported in the St. John region and three in Fredericton. All patients have recovered or are recovering. Dr. Robert Strang, Chief of Public Health for Nova Scotia, said in a statement, "there is no reason to worry. We know that the incubation period of the bacterium E. coli 0157 is one to ten days. It is therefore not surprising to see … [Read more...]
E. coli Outbreak in New Brunswick, Canada
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health in New Brunswick Canada is investigating five confirmed cases of E. coli 0157 in that province. Two of the cases are in the Saint John region, and three are in the Fredericton region. All of the patients were seen in hospital emergency rooms; one person was admitted. Dr. Eilish Cleary, Chief Medical Officer of Health, said in a statement, "at this time, we do not know if the cases have a common source. A number of sources are being investigated and we are still gathering information." To prevent further spread of this outbreak, public health officials recommend that all people thoroughly wash hands after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before and during food preparation. Avoid contact between cooked or ready-to-eat … [Read more...]
Sixty-One Now Sickened with E. coli 0157 in Neff’s Lawn Care Picnic Outbreak
According to Bill Wharton, spokesman for the Dayton & Montgomery County Health Department in Ohio, 61 people have been sickened with E. coli 0157 after attending a picnic held by Neff's Lawn Care in Germantown. Mr. Wharton said that 11 people have been hospitalized. Mr. Wharton said, "we aren't releasing any information other than to say we're investigating the outbreak." The health department is interviewing picnic attendees and patients, looking at food sources, storage and handling practices, and cross-contamination potential. Since 200 to 300 people attended the picnic, more cases may be reported. Doctors must report E. coli infections to public health officials. If you or anyone you know attended this picnic and have been sick, please call the Dayton & Montgomery County … [Read more...]
E. coli 0157 Outbreak At Neff’s Lawn Care Picnic in Germantown Ohio
According to spokesman Bill Wharton from the Dayton & Montgomery County Health Department, 36 people are now ill with E. coli 0157 after eating food at a picnic held by Neff's Lawn Care at 9400 Ekhart Road in Germantown. As many as 200 to 300 people may have eaten contaminated food at the annual customer appreciation picnic held on July 3 2012. Of the 36 ill persons, nine have been hospitalized, and five have been confirmed infected with E. coli 0157. The public health department is gathering information through interviews with the people who prepared the food and with those who are ill. They are investigating food sources, food handling, storage practices, temperature controls, and the potential for cross-contamination. Symptoms of E. coli food poisoning include severe stomach … [Read more...]
