Lehi Ecoli Outbreak Strikes Children, Source Unknown

Eight cases of E. coli were reported in Utah County over the last two weeks, with five people hospitalized, according to the Utah County Health Department. Here is everything we know about this Lehi Ecoli Outbreak:

Lehi Ecoli Outbreak

There have been eight cases of E. coli, 2 of which were confirmed as E. coli 0157:H7, reported in Lehi residents and individuals with Lehi connections.

Officials think irrigation water may be to blame. “This is a critical situation, and I am concerned for the public,” Lehi Mayor Mark Johnson said. “I want residents to be aware that pressurized irrigation water should not be used for anyone to play in. No one should drink irrigation water that comes to their home.”

Health Department Recommendations

UCHD officials say to contact your local City Public Works office if you do not know if your water source is potable or secondary for landscaping. Irrigation water should not be used to drink, swim, or play in, including slip-and-slides and sprinklers.

Irrigation water should only be used for your lawns and crops as it can carry harmful contaminants to both humans and animals, such as E. coli.

What are Escherichia coli?

E. coli are bacteria found in the intestines of people and animals and in the environment; they can also be found in food and untreated water.

Most E. coli are harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract. However, some cause illnesses that are sometimes severe, such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, and bloodstream infections. The types of E. coli that cause diarrheal illness are spread through contaminated food or water and through contact with animals or people.

Who is more likely to get an E. coli infection?

Anyone can get sick from E. coli, but some people have an increased chance of infection. These people are:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Children younger than 5 years of age
• People with weakened immune systems, including pregnant women
• People who travel to certain countries

What are the symptoms of E. coli infections?

Most people have diarrhea, which can be bloody, and most have stomach cramps that may be severe. Some also have vomiting. A high fever is uncommon. Symptoms usually last 5–7 days.

About 5–10% of people diagnosed with a type of E. coli called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)—a type of kidney failure that can be life-threatening.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea or vomiting that lasts for more than 2 days, bloody stools, a fever higher than 102°F, or signs of dehydration (including little or no urination, excessive thirst, a very dry mouth, dizziness or lightheadedness, or very dark urine).

How The Lange Law Firm Can Help

Our mission is to help families who have been harmed by contaminated food or water.  When corporations cause Ecoli food poisoning outbreaks, we use the law to hold them accountable.  The Lange Law Firm is one of the only law firms in the nation focused on representing families in food poisoning lawsuits.

If you got sick in this Lehi Ecoli Outbreak and are interested in making a legal claim for compensation, we can help. We want you to know that an E coli Lawyer at the Lange Law Firm, PLLC is currently investigating this matter and offering free legal consultations.

Our lawyer, Jory Lange became a lawyer to help make our communities and families safer. Anyone who was infected with E coli may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.  To learn more about the Lehi Ecoli Outbreak or making an E coli food poisoning claim, please contact the Lange Law Firm, PLLC by phone or contact us online.