St. Louis County Department of Public Health has identified additional events connected to the E. coli outbreak that sickened Rockwood Summit High School Band students. While a specific food item has yet to be determined, a common factor has been uncovered.
Andre’s Banquets and Catering.
So far, all of the events connected to the E. coli outbreak were catered by Andre’s Banquets and Catering.
Several lawsuits are being filed as parents and family members tend to sick children and relatives. There are likely more to come.
Here’s what we know about the events connected to the E. coli outbreak in St. Louis County and what to do if you are sick.
As of November 18, 2024 at noon, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health has identified at least 94 cases of E. coli O157 illnesses associated with several events connected to the E. coli outbreak across the area.
Some of these cases have been confirmed with laboratory cases. Others have presented symptoms consistent with E. coli illness and have obvious links to other confirmed cases.
Information about illnesses involved in this E. coli outbreak has widened beyond those involved with Rockwood Summit High School.
While more than half of the cases in this outbreak involve this connection, other events in the area are represented in the outbreak.
Events connected to the E. coli outbreak include:
These events were catered by Andre’s Banquets and Catering.
A specific source has yet to be identified. While current details suggest the culprit is salad, a specific ingredient, and at what point it became potentially contaminated with E. coli bacteria is unclear.
Additional testing is needed to identify the exact source of contamination.
State health officials have been onsite helping with the investigation.
Environmental and food samples have been obtained for testing. The results of these laboratory tests may shed some light on the source of these nearly 100 illnesses.
Additional information, such as interviews, detailed food history, symptom onset and exposure details, and other contributing factors will help investigators uncover the source of the outbreak.
“The health and safety of our community are our highest priorities,” Kanika Cunningham, director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, stated in a press release. “Our dedicated team, including epidemiologists, environmental health inspectors, and communications staff, have been working around the clock to investigate this outbreak thoroughly and effectively. Their expertise and tireless efforts are instrumental in collecting and analyzing data, coordinating with stakeholders, and keeping the public informed.
Escherichia coli, more commonly known as E. coli, are bacteria that can be found in the digestive system of humans and animals.
Not all E. coli bacteria are bad. In fact, many strains of E. coli are a big part of our natural intestinal microbiome.
The strain involved in events connected to the E. coli outbreak in St. Louis county, unfortunately isn’t one of those friendly E. coli strains.
This germ, E. coli O157 is one of the most dangerous. This is because E. coli O157 produces a harmful toxin that can cause serious illness or even death in those who are infected.
It can be bad.
Very bad.
Especially for certain more susceptible groups of people.
Those more likely to become sick if exposed at events connected to the E. coli outbreak in St. Louis County include those who’s immune systems cannot easily fight off this dangerous infection.
These include:
Most people with E. coli infections begin experiencing symptoms around three to four days after eating or drinking something contaminated with E. coli bacteria. However, some may become sick in as little as one day or as long as ten or more days following exposure.
Symptoms can also vary in severity. Some may experience milder symptoms and not require medical attention. Others may become very sick or develop complications that require hospitalization.
Common symptoms include:
Sometimes a low-grade fever accompanies E. coli illness. If present, the fever is usually lower than 101° F.
Most of the time, symptoms resolve within about a week (five to seven days). However, those with more severe illness may develop life-threatening complications. Namely, hemolytic uremic syndrome. Also known as HUS.
It is unclear if any of the 94 patients involved in the events connected to the E. coli outbreak have developed this life-threatening complication. But it is possible with this type of pathogen.
HUS is caused by toxins that cross the intestines and enter the bloodstream. These toxins damage the tiny blood vessels and break up blood cells. These ruptured blood cells can clog the filtering activities of the kidneys, resulting in potential kidney failure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 5 to 10% of people diagnosed with toxin-producing E. coli infections develop this complication.
HUS symptoms usually begin about the time diarrheal symptoms are improving. Often around seven days after initial E. coli illness symptoms.
Common HUS symptoms include:
Individuals with HUS must be hospitalized for treatment and monitored for kidney failure. Most of the time Intravenous (IV) fluids and blood transfusions are performed along with dialysis as a short-term kidney replacement treatment.
Most (about 85%) of patients will have a full recovery. Some, though, may not be so lucky. High blood pressure, long-term kidney problems, and potential impact on the brain, pancreas, liver, and heart are serious concerns.
If you attended events connected to the E. coli outbreak and have developed symptoms, there are a few things you should consider.
The St. Louis Department of Public Health urges anyone experiencing E. coli infection symptoms to seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important if you have symptoms such as diarrhea lasting for more than three days, diarrhea with a fever higher than 102° F, blood in the stool, blood in the urine, so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down, or you pass very little urine.
If you believe you have become sick with E. coli, in addition to contacting your healthcare provider, you can also contact the St. Louis County Department of Health. Their phone number is 314-615-1630. Information involving events connected to the E. coli outbreak can help investigators identify a source.
Handwashing is a very important aspect of preventing the spread of E. coli infections. Wash your hands before and after you eat, after you use the restroom or help someone in the restroom, or change a diaper.
Avoid preparing food for others until you are no longer infectious.
The experienced E. coli Lawyers at The Lange Law Firm can help answer questions you may have about how to proceed after the outbreak. Medical bills, lost wages, and other burdens associated with E. coli illness recovery add up.
The Lange Law Firm has helped many families with cases just like yours. Get your free consultation by calling (833) 330-3663 or click here to email.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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