July 11, 2007: E. coli in Jail

Over 70 inmates at the Jefferson County Jail in Colorado have been made ill by exposure to E. coli bacteria. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli has been identified in tested samples, but the specific strain of E. coli has not yet been determined.

The first inmates became ill with intestinal symptoms on June 6. A total of nine inmates were sent to the hospital, and one is still hospitalized. Thirty-seven inmates are still sick.

The source of the E. coli contamination has not been found, but officials with the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment are continuing to investigate. The food supplier to the jail, and kitchen workers there, are being questioned, and food is being tested as part of the investigation.

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.

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 more information about E. coli, visit the pages of this blog “About E. coli” and “Common Symptoms and Complications.”

To learn more about the personal injury law practice of Eric H. Weinberg, please see Food Poisoning Lawyer, or E. coli Lawyer.

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July 11, 2007: Shredded Lettuce Linked to Little Rosie’s E. coli Outbreak

The Huntsville-Madison County Health Department reports that shredded lettuce, contaminated with E. coli, is most likely to blame for the food poisoning outbreak that has been linked to the Huntsville restaurant, Little Rosie’s Taqueria. Little Rosie’s is located on Whitesburg Drive.

According to Dr. Debra Williams, assistant medical director for the county health department, 14 of the 15 patients who have tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 ate at Little Rosie’s, on either June 28 or 29th. The first food poisoning cases associated with the outbreak were reported to the health department on July 4th.

Three other individuals who ate at Little Rosie’s, and are now showing symptoms of E. coli food poisoning have been tested. Health officials are awaiting the results.

It has also been reported that three of the patients have developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), and are undergoing dialysis. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, a serious complication of E. coli food poisoning, may occur in about 2%-7% of cases.

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.

To learn more about the personal injury law practice of Eric H. Weinberg, please see Food Poisoning Lawyer, or E. coli Lawyer.

For information concerning recent food poisoning outbreaks, please see Salmonella IHOP, E. coli Illinois Lettuce, and E. coli Michigan Lettuce.

Add comment July 11th, 2007