IMPORTANT: If you believe that you or someone you know has been injured by romaine lettuce related to this outbreak call
Andrews & Thornton IMMEDIATELY at (800) 664-1734
On April 10, 2018, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a statement saying that they were investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 infections. Signs and symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection typically begin three or four days after eating contaminated lettuce. The source of the contamination remains a mystery, but most victims ate pre-chopped bagged lettuce.
Since April the outbreak has grown to 172 cases in 32 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
70 percent of those infected have been hospitalized and several have developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). On May 1, 2018, it was reported that one death occurred from the outbreak in California.
Immediate medical attention required. Tests allow doctors to trace the cause and identity of the illness. Blood tests are not enough, diagnosis must be made by stool sample.
Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection vary from person to person, but often include but are not limited to:
- Severe stomach cramps and tenderness
- Diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody
- Vomiting
- Fever
Andrews & Thornton has a long-standing record of successfully litigating foodborne illness cases. If you or someone you know has been affected by this outbreak, we can handle your case and get you the justice that you deserve.
If you believe that you or someone you know has been injured by romaine lettuce related to this outbreak call Andrews and Thornton IMMEDIATELY at (800) 664-1734 or e-mail info@andrewsthornton.com