May 30, 2007: E. coli Outbreak in Fresno Possibly Linked to Meat

Half a dozen people visited a Fresno hospital last week with symptoms of E. coli food poisoning, and county health officials are investigating a link to meat that was consumed at a private party on May 19 by five of the six individuals affected.

The investigation by the Fresno County Health Department has not resulted in voluntary or mandatory recalls. Fresno County Health Officer Ed Moreno said that public health does not appear to be at risk at this time.

Moreno also said that health officials have inspected the Meat Market in north Fresno, since meat from that location was purchased for the three private parties that health officials are concentrating on in their E. coli investigation.

The six individuals with E. coli food poisoning range in age from toddlers to older adults, and tests have shown that they had a strain of E. coli O157.

Initial symptoms of E.coli O157:H7 infection include severe abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea. The diarrhea may become bloody and can lead to dehydration. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. There is usually little or no fever. Symptoms generally resolve in 5-10 days, but serious complications may ensue. Children and the elderly are at greatest risk of developing complications.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by E. coli food poisoning, please fill out a free case evaluation or contact us toll-free at 1-877-934-6274. For more information about E. coli food poisoning, visit the pages of this blog and the website www.foodpoisoning.com.

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