Public health officials are currently investigating an outbreak of E. coli in Madison County, Alabama. Six cases have been confirmed; however, the source of the outbreak has not yet been identified.

According to WAFF television in Huntsville, all of the cases were reported on July 4th. Doctor Debra Williams, an assistant health officer with the county health department, said test results returned Friday confirmed the presence of the bacteria, and that more cases could surface.

Symptoms of E. coli food poisoning may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of suffering complications associated with E. coli infection.

E. coli is most often associated with eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef. Since E. coli can be found in the intestines of healthy cattle, meat can become contaminated during slaughter. Other sources of infection include the consumption of non-pasteurized milk and juice, sprouts, and leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach. Swimming in sewage-contaminated lakes and pools or drinking inadequately chlorinated water are other sources of infection.

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 information on recent food poisoning outbreaks, please see Staph Food Poisoning Lawyer, and Claudia Sanders