The E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to the Bar-B-Q Shack in Toccoa, Georgia has sickened at least 11 people. Seven of the ill persons have been hospitalized. And five have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious illness which can cause kidney failure. In most outbreaks, we know that illnesses are greatly underreported, because most people can recover from Salmonella or Vibrio infections without a doctor's help. But Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) infections are different. That pathogenic bacteria causes potentially deadly illness that can last for a long time. A study from the CDC found that duration of illness is the most important statistically significant symptom that increased both the probability of visiting a doctor and having a stool sample taken. Violent, … [Read more...]
Texas E. coli Outbreak Linked to Ground Beef Served at Brazos County Restaurant
Health officials have linked a Texas E. coli outbreak to ground beef served at a Brazos County restaurant. The name of the restaurant has not been released, so we are asking our readers to send us information. The Brazos County Health Department (BCHD) has confirmed five cases of E. coli. The department investigated five additional cases of illness involving symptoms of E. coli food poisoning, but these cases are still suspected and not yet confirmed. E. coli can cause severe complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). "Control measures have been implemented to prevent further cases including mandatory glove use by employees and continuous monitoring by BCHD," said BCHD in a press release. "The health department should … [Read more...]
Farm Rich E. coli Outbreak Can’t Be Blamed on Consumers
The outbreak of E. coli O121 linked to recalled Farm Rich products is unusual. The ingredients that make up the frozen mini meals and snacks are precooked (chicken, pepperoni, and cheese) and are simply assembled to make a product that is reheated before consuming. No foodborne illness can be blamed on the consumer. Manufacturers have the legal responsibility to produce safe food. The law states that manufacturers are responsible for making and selling food that will not make consumers sick, but this has happened over and over again. The food you buy should not be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Unfortunately, manufacturers put the burden on the consumer to heat the food to a safe temperature. This so called "consumer kill step" has been the subject of many government studies … [Read more...]
5 E. coli Ground Beef Recalls in 8 Months
When an E.coli outbreak linked to ground beef produced by Glenn’s Market and Catering in Watertown, WI, prompted a January 15 recall, it was the fifth time in eight months that ground beef was recalled for possible E.coli contamination. E.coli and ground beef is a combination that often has serious results. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a study of foodborne illness outbreaks in 2009 and 2010. Of the 11 multi-state outbreaks where a food source could be identified, two were linked to ground beef. Eight of the 43 recalls prompted by outbreaks during were for ground beef. And during that time period, E.coli in beef accounted for 46 hospitalizations and three deaths. It was illness that prompted an investigation into the most recent recall. After … [Read more...]
Raw Milk E. coli and HUS: Two MO Outbreaks In 10 Months
Raw milk and E.coli are making a sad combination in Missouri for the second time in 10 months. Locally produced, raw milk products are the suspected source of an E.coli outbreak in Missouri that has sickened several people. In late March, 2012 an E.coli outbreak linked to raw milk produced by Stroupe Farm in Howard County sickened 14 people in six Missouri counties: Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Howard, Jackson and Marion. Case patients ranged in the in age from 1 to 39, a toddler was hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious, sometimes fatal condition that develops with some E. coli infections. The current outbreak has affected residents in the northwest part of the state, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services. E.coli infections are the … [Read more...]
