E. coli

Several Maquoketa Iowa Children Have E. coli – Source a Mystery

Several news outlets out of Maquoketa, Iowa are reporting severe E. coli illnesses in children – some of which have developed a rare, life-threatening complication. Some of these children have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, which can lead to kidney failure. At this time, it is unknown if the children’s cases are linked or a potential source to this potential Maquoketa Iowa Ecoli Outbreak. Here’s what we do know:

Maquoketa Iowa Ecoli Outbreak Quick Info

  • Public health officials are investigating the illnesses as a cluster
  • At least three children have E. coli and have developed severe type of kidney failure known as HUS
  • Jackson County Health Department’s Community Health Manager Michele Cullen says the process involves contact tracing, but a source has not been identified, according to the Telegraph Herald.

What is Ecoli?

Ecoli (Escherichia coli) is a bacteria that lives in all animals, including humans. Most types of Ecoli are safe to humans, and even our intestines use Ecoli to break down food. The difference is some of E. coli strains are pathogenic. These are the types that cause unpleasant and sometimes serious illnesses.

Signs and Symptoms

Like most other foodborne symptoms, Ecoli is hard to diagnose. This is not due to the ability for hospitals to test to see what has made you ill, it is because the signs are mostly all the same. Do any of these symptoms look familiar?

  • Diarrhea
  • Cramping
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Fatigue

The majority of people infected with E. coli will exhibit symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal cramps within 2 to 8 days after ingestion of the bacteria.

Urgent medical attention is highly recommended if you or someone you love has the above symptoms. Early medical attention can help reduce the risk of more severe illness and potential long-term complications.

In extreme instances, pay special attention to these indicators that something is severely wrong:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Dehydration
  • Bruising
  • Pale skin

In some circumstances a more serious illness may develop, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  HUS is a type of kidney failure that develops as a result of E. coli infection. About 5-10% of people develop this potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS develops about 7 days after symptoms first appear, when diarrhea is improving. Clues that someone is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. People with HUS should be hospitalized because their kidneys may stop working and they may develop other serious problems. Most people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent damage or die. You should contact your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days or diarrhea that is accompanied by a fever higher than 102˚F, blood in the stool, or so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down and you pass very little 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 E. coli 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 your child is sick with E. coli,  and you 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 this Maquoketa Iowa Ecoli Outbreak or making an E coli food poisoning claim, please contact the Lange Law Firm, PLLC by phone or contact us online.

By: Candess Zona-Mendola

Candess Zona-Mendola

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