The Weinberg Law Firm, located in New Brunswick, NJ, is currently assisting victims of food poisoning outbreaks, including the current NJ E. coli outbreak that may be linked to Panera Bread. If you or a loved one was injured in this outbreak, and you would like information regarding an E. coli lawsuit, please contact the Weinberg Law Firm at 877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7.
NJ Department of Health Investigates NJ E Coli Outbreak Cases
Here in New Jersey, public health officials are investigating an E. coli food poisoning outbreak that has left at least 8 people hospitalized. Five of those individuals have been discharged. The number of E. coli illnesses reported by NJ County is as follows: Hunterdon (4), Middlesex (1), Somerset (1), and Warren (1).
The NJ Department of Health (NJDH) announced on April 6, 2018, that it is currently investigating an outbreak of E. coli food poisoning illnesses that may be associated with a chain restaurant; however, the association may be broader than a single chain restaurant. The NJDH reported that it is in the process of gathering food history data from those who became ill as part of its investigation.
Multiple News Agencies Report Possible NJ E Coli Outbreak Panera Bread Link
Although the NJDH did not name a particular restaurant(s) that is the focus its E. coli outbreak investigation, numerous news sources have indicated that Panera Bread is the chain under review. NJ.COM reported that the Panera Bread restaurant in Phillipsburg NJ has been included in the investigation.
NJ Department of Health Will Work With the CDC and FDA to Confirm Outbreak Cases and Outbreak Source
DNA sequencing of the patients’ E. coli isolates will be compared to determine if the strains match. This will determine which illnesses are outbreak cases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will confirm these findings.
New Jersey public health officials will also work to identify the common food source that sickened the outbreak victims. This is done in part by interviewing those sickened to obtain their food intake history prior to becoming ill, and working with the FDA to identify restaurant food suppliers.
The NJDH plans to update the public as information becomes available.
New Jersey Department of Health Advice to the Public
The NJDH provided the following advice regarding E. coli infection and E. coli symptoms:
“While those who are infected with E. Coli usually get better by themselves within about 5 to 7 days, some illnesses can be serious or even life-threatening. We encourage people to contact their health care provider if they have diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days or is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or so much vomiting that they cannot keep liquids down and they pass very little urine.
In addition, about 5 to 10% of people who are diagnosed with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS develops about 7 days after symptoms first appear, when diarrhea is improving. Clues that someone is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. Any who develop these symptoms should seek out medical care.”
Diagnosis of E Coli Infection
If you suspect that you have contracted E. coli or are experiencing food poisoning symptoms, contact your doctor. He or she can order a stool culture to confirm E. coli infection. You can also report your symptoms or illness to your NJ County Health Department.
Contact The NJ Weinberg Law Firm For A Free E. Coli Lawsuit Evaluation
If you or a loved one are diagnosed with an E. coli infection, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free legal case evaluation by calling our firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7. You can also submit the easy-to-use Free Legal Case Evaluation found on this page.
Please see Food Poisoning Lawyer NJ Salmonella Cut Fruit and Food Poisoning Lawsuit NJ to learn more about our legal services.
