In a news release dated December 30, 2013, the Davidson County Health Department announced that it is investigating illnesses in three children that are likely due to E. coli infections. Two of the children, both Tyro Middle School students, required hospitalization due to their symptoms and complications, which included severe, bloody diarrhea. E. coli O157 was confirmed as causing the third child’s illness. County public health officials indicated that the E. coli O157 confirmed illness did not require hospitalization, and that the child does not attend Tyro Middle School.
Monecia Thomas, Davidson County Health Department Health Director, expressed sincere thoughts and wishes to the ill children and their families and provided the following advice to Davidson County residents:
“We are asking anyone in the community who has been sick during the month of December with severe or bloody diarrhea to please call the Davidson County Health Department at 336-242-2300. If you are still sick, please seek medical care.”
By following this advice, residents can protect their health and the health of their loved ones, and help public health officials identify and halt an outbreak before others become ill.
About E. coli – E. coli O157:H7 is a bacterial pathogen capable of producing a powerful toxin known as Shiga toxin. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (including O157:H7) are often referred to as “STEC” and are capable of causing a life-threatening infection. E. coli O157:H7 symptoms can include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, and low-grade fever. Complications of E. coli infection can include severe dehydration and hemolytic uremic syndrome.
The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks nationwide. We are ready to help you. For a free legal case evaluation please submit our easy to use E. coli Lawsuit Inquiry Form, or call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7.
To learn about recent food poisoning outbreaks, please select Roos Foods Cheese Listeria Outbreak. For information regarding Listeria food poisoning symptoms, please see Listeria symptoms and complications and Listeria food poisoning.
