Steve Doyle of the Hunstville Times reports that the E. coli outbreak in Huntsville, Alabama, continues to grow.
According to Dr. Debra Williams of the Madison County Health Department, eight more individuals have tested positive for E. coli bringing the total to 14 confirmed cases. Most of the victims are children or young adults, and five remain hospitalized.
Doctor Williams also indicated that the source of the outbreak remains a mystery, although many of the victims ate at Little Rosie’s Taqueria on Whitesburg Drive in late June.
Initial symptoms of E. coli food poisoning may include abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea. The diarrhea may become bloody, and can lead to dehydration. Fever may or may not be present. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Symptoms usually resolve in 5-10 days.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a serious complication of E. coli infection, may occur in about 2%-7% of cases. HUS is characterized by destruction of red blood cells, damage to the lining of blood vessel walls, and in severe cases, kidney failure. Children and the elderly are at greatest risk for developing HUS.
The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg currently represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks throughout the United States. For a free case evaluation, please call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274, or click on free case evaluation. To learn more about E. coli food poisoning, click on About E. coli and/or Common Symptoms and Complications. You can also visit our website www.foodpoisoning.com.
July 9th, 2007
Public health officials are currently investigating an outbreak of E. coli in Madison County, Alabama. Six cases have been confirmed; however, the source of the outbreak has not yet been identified.
According to WAFF television in Huntsville, all of the cases were reported on July 4th. Doctor Debra Williams, an assistant health officer with the county health department, said test results returned Friday confirmed the presence of the bacteria, and that more cases could surface.
Symptoms of E. coli food poisoning may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of suffering complications associated with E. coli infection.
E. coli is most often associated with eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef. Since E. coli can be found in the intestines of healthy cattle, meat can become contaminated during slaughter. Other sources of infection include the consumption of non-pasteurized milk and juice, sprouts, and leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach. Swimming in sewage-contaminated lakes and pools or drinking inadequately chlorinated water are other sources of infection.
The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg currently represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks throughout the United States. If you or a loved one have been harmed by E. coli food poisoning, and you have a question about your legal rights, please call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274 for a free case evaluation, or click on free case evaluation to submit your questions.
For information on recent food poisoning outbreaks, please see Staph Food Poisoning Lawyer, and Claudia Sanders Food Poisoning Lawyer.
July 9th, 2007