We’re only half way through this year, yet we have already seen numerous E. coli outbreaks across the US. Here is a recap of the major E. coli outbreaks that occurred during the first half of 2010:
Romaine Lettuce – Freshway Foods: As of May 20, there have been 26 confirmed and 7 propable illnesses associated with the outbreak of E. coli O145. These cases are from 5 states (MI, NY, OH, PA, and TN). Among the confirmed and probable cases with reported dates available, illnesses began between April 10 and April 26. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the link between the outbreak strain of E. coli and shredded lettuce from a single processing facility. According to the CDC, the contaminated lettuce is believed to have originated from a farm located in Yuma, Arizona. The outbreak strain of E. coli O145 was eventually detected in an unopened package of Freshway shredded romaine lettuce. Freshway Foods recalled products containing romaine lettuce with a use by date of May 12 or earlier because of possible E. coli O145 contamination.
Raw Milk From Minnesota Farm: During the month of May, five Minnesota residents contracted E. coli O157:H7. Sate health officials believe the outbreak may be linked to consumption of raw milk from a dairy farm near Gibbon, Minn.
Tragic Outbreak at Washington Day Care Center: Sadly, a 4-year old boy died and 3 other children were hospitalized as the result of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at a Washington state day care facility. A laboratory reported the first case to health officials on March 19, after a stool sample tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. On March 26, health officials inspected the day care facility after another illness was reported. On March 30, health officials collected stool samples from 22 children and 4 adults. After 7 of these tested positive for the E. coli outbreak strain, the facility was finally closed on April 2.
Drinking Water At Missouri Sports Complex: An E. coli outbreak, which sickened 14 people since April 28, was linked to the drinking water at Class Act Sports Complex in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. Hawaii Restaurant,
Peppa’s Korean BBQ: On April 1, Hawaii health officials shut down Peppa’s Korean Barbeque, following an investigation into a possible outbreak of E. coli food poisoning, which left 7 people ill, 4 of whom were hospitalized. FDA
Advisory – Cookie Dough: On January 19, 2010 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer advisory, which urged consumers not to eat “any raw dough for cookies or other raw dough products before the dough is properly cooked”. This was in follow-up of the 2009 E. coli outbreak linked to Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough.
E. coli Outbreak Victims: If you were diagnosed with E. coli, awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, please submit a Free E. coli Lawsuit Case Evaluation, or call the Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg toll free at 1-877-934-6274. To learn about recent food poisoning outbreaks, please see Illinois Subway Salmonella Outbreak, Illinois Subway Shigella Outbreak, and Salmonella Alfalfa Sprouts.
