September 10, 2008: Oklahoma E. coli Outbreak Update

September 10th, 2008

According to an Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) update, approximately 231 individuals have been sickened in the current E. coli 0111 outbreak.  Sixty-one of the E. coli illnesses have resulted in hospitalization, and 16 of those individuals have required dialysis. One death has been attributed to the outbreak.

Although the investigation is still ongoing, most of the outbreak victims reported eating at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK, between August 15 and 17.  The OSDH website reports that public health officials will continue to interview Country Cottage patrons through the end of this week:

 

In an effort to establish if there was exposure to particular food items and illness, the OSDH is continuing to interview families with children and others who ate at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK, on Aug. 15-17. Most persons who have become ill reported eating at the Country Cottage the weekend of Aug. 15. Persons can call the OSDH at 1-800-990-2769 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. each day through this Friday, Sept. 12. 

Northeastern Oklahoma residents can also call 2-1-1 for additional outbreak information.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified the outbreak strain as E. coli 0111.  Although a less commonly occurring foodborne pathogen, E. coli 0111, just like E. coli O157:H7, is capable of causing a life threatening form of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

To learn more about E. coli and E. coli food poisoning symptoms, please visit our additional website www.foodpoisoning.com, hosted by the Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg.

The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg represents victims of recent food poisoning outbreaks nationwide. If you 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, or click on Free Case Evaluation.

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

Entry Filed under: Food Poisoning Outbreaks and Recall News