The E. Coli Poisoning Outbreak from Romaine Lettuce Has Led to Its First Fatality

E. coli is a form of bacteria that survives in the intestines. Certain types of E. coli can produce intestinal infection – E. coli O157:57 in particular. This strain and others causing intestinal sicknesses are referred to as Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC). Various symptoms can follow intestinal infection instigated by E. coli including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. The most severe cases can lead to dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and even kidney failure.

The latest nationwide outbreak of E. coli

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rash of food poisoning across the nation due romaine lettuce contaminated with E. coli has claimed its first fatal victim, an unnamed individual in California. The breakout has thus far left 121 people in some 25 states sick. This outbreak of E. coli is now considered the largest in the U.S. since 2006.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the CDC, is trying to identify the source of the outbreak. It is believed, however, that the source of the lettuce comes from the Yuma, Arizona growing region. The FDA has published extensive information about the outbreak and a direct warning for people not to consume romaine lettuce without knowing its origin.

Despite the general source mentioned above, investigators have not pinpointed where and at what time the lettuce became contaminated with the E. coli bacteria. The farm in question has not been associated with other contamination cases. A number of individuals who have contracted E. coli across the nation consumed chopped lettuce sold to restaurants in bags. The bacteria could of been introduced anywhere along the production line between the original farm source and the end recipient.

A deadly strain of E. coli

The strain of E. coli in question develops a Shiga toxin that instigates diarrhea, vomiting, and other serious symptoms, which in some cases include kidney failure. Of the 52 individuals hospitalized in the outbreak, 14 have had kidney failure. Most often, people contracting E. coli become sick within 2 to 8 days after ingesting the bacteria. According to the CDC, most people recover from the illness within one week.

The bacteria associated with E. coli usually live in animal intestines, such as those of pigs and cows. During the 1990s, many E. coli illnesses were connected with contaminated hamburger meat. The livestock industry instituted reforms that have considerably reduced outbreaks of E. coli stemming from livestock. Recently, E. coli outbreaks have been connected with contaminated leafy greens.

Regarding the current rash of food poisoning from contaminated romaine lettuce, the CDC emphasizes that consumers should confirm whether any lettuce they buy or eat originates from the Yuma region. If it does, it should be thrown out and not eaten.

Recovering compensation if you are an E. coli victim

The compensation you may recover as the victim of an E. coli infection depends on various factors, including how long you stayed in the hospital, the estimated time frame of your recovery, any complications occurring in connection with your E. coli poisoning, estimated cost of medical care, and estimated future medical expenses.

Our lawyers assist injured people across the country on complex injury cases. If you or a loved one has been poisoned in the most recent lettuce outbreak of E. coli, or any other food poisoning scenario, we want to help you. We can determine if you have the right to sue the original producer, supplier, restaurant or other entity in the line of production and food preparation. To discuss your case with a free consultation, call McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC today at 803-327-7800 or complete our contact form.