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The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new E. coli outbreak with a “not yet identified” food linked to the illnesses. The agency is still in the early stages of traceback investigation, but I have a hunch it is going to be leafy greens to blame.
Why?
Plenty of reasons.
But first, let’s talk about what we know about the new E. coli outbreak so far.
On December 4, 2024, the FDA announced a new E. coli outbreak on their active investigations page.
So far there have been 67 illnesses associated with this outbreak pathogen. In this case, E. coli O157:H7. One of the most serious E. coli bacterial strains.
A foodborne outbreak is defined as an incident in which two or more people experience a similar illness after ingesting a common food or meal. In this case, an investigation points to the meal or food as the source of the illness.
Confirmed cases contain test results where genetic data shows the illnesses are closely related to each other and/or a food source.
Probable cases in a foodborne outbreak can be linked to an ongoing outbreak investigation if epidemiological data (information about where the person ate, what they ate, and who they have had contact with) points to the same source. In these cases, laboratory data may not be available. Or testing could be in progress.
For this new E. coli outbreak, the investigation is still quite early in the traceback phase.
It is likely that the FDA has information that they cannot yet release until more data is compiled.
Leafy greens is a broad category. It primarily encompasses different types of lettuce. However, leafy greens may also describe spinach, mustard greens, kale, and other green leafy produce.
Why does my hunch point to leafy greens – more specifically lettuce?
The answer to that question started about a month ago.
A few catered events surrounding high school band banquets and other non-school related activities such as a veterans event and funerals were linked to an E. coli outbreak in Missouri associated with leafy greens. Lettuce was the likely food source. However, that investigation is still ongoing.
Fast forward a few weeks, and this outbreak is now part of a larger, unnamed multi-state outbreak. Reports of which include the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota. Also strongly associated with leafy greens.
This particular outbreak has been linked to 115 illnesses, 13 hospitalizations, and three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Only 25 of the 115 cases are linked to the caterer.
It seems that perhaps there is overlap between these unfortunate events.
It is completely possible that these events are not connected. But my gut tells me that leafy greens are involved.
Additionally, we often see foodborne illnesses associated with leafy greens this time of year.
This is likely because more leafy greens grown this time of year. And generally, farms are located close together. If irrigation water is contaminated (a common source of leafy greens contamination) several farms may be impacted.
Hence, “tis the season.”
E. coli is one of those bad bugs commonly associated with leafy greens. This is because irrigation water can be contaminated by nearby feedlot runoff. In these situations, a lot of cattle feces can wash into irrigation networks, bringing harmful toxin-producing bacteria along with it.
E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives and grows in the digestive system of humans and animals and can thrive in the environment.
Some E. coli bacteria are harmless. They even make up a good part of a healthy gut microbiome. Others, like those that made these people sick, can cause serious or even life-threatening illness. In this case, E. coli O157:H7.
The symptoms of E. coli infections can vary from mild to severe. Most people begin feeling sick around three to four days after exposure. However, some may begin feeling sick as early as one day or as late as 10 days or more after eating contaminated food.
Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms to look out for include:
Normally healthy people generally recover from E. coli infection within five to seven days. Of course barring serious complications.
These complications may lead to hospitalization or even death. Certain groups of people are more likely to experience these complications.
The elderly, young children (under five years), and those with a weakened immune system may experience more severe illness or develop serious complications.
One of the more serious complications includes the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) we were talking about in the Missouri outbreak.
HUS, is a rare, but serious health condition that can develop after becoming sick with a toxin-producing bacteria like E. coli O157:H7. The same type of bacteria involved in this new E. coli outbreak as well as the one affecting people in Missouri.
This complication develops when toxins rupture blood cells. These ruptured bloods cells clog the filtering aspects of the kidney. This can result in kidney failure and cause other downstream negative health effects.
People with HUS require hospitalization and monitoring to prevent further damage.
Symptoms to look out for include decreased urination, paleness in cheeks and inside of lower eyelids, and fatigue.
If you have been sick with symptoms consistent with E. coli infection and begin experiencing these HUS symptoms, get medical help right away!
If you have recently become sick with an E. coli infection and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
The experienced E. coli Lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC have successfully represented cases just like yours and won millions of dollars in foodborne contaminations lawsuits just like this.
Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC today for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation. Call (833) 330-3663 or fill out the online submission form today.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer
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