Omaha E. Coli Attorney

Escherichia coli, often referred to as E. coli, is a bacterium that naturally inhabits the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are non-pathogenic and contribute positively to gut health, certain strains can cause significant illness.

Symptoms of E. coli

E. coli infections can present a range of symptoms, often varying based on the strain of the bacteria and the individual’s health status. The most common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea: Often watery, but can become bloody.
• Abdominal Cramping: Severe stomach pain and tenderness.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick and throwing up.
• Fatigue: General feeling of tiredness and weakness.
• Fever: Sometimes mild but can be more severe.
• Loss of Appetite: Not feeling like eating.

How is E. coli Transmitted?

E. coli bacteria are primarily transmitted through several pathways:

• Undercooked or Raw Meat: Ground beef is particularly risky because E. coli on the surface can be mixed throughout during processing.
• Unpasteurized Milk and Juice: These products can carry E. coli if they come from contaminated sources.
• Raw Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh produce can be contaminated if grown in fields with contaminated water or handled with poor hygiene practices.
• Contaminated Water: Drinking or using water that has been contaminated with fecal matter can transmit E. coli. This includes lakes, pools, and inadequately treated municipal water supplies.
• Person-to-Person Contact: Close contact with an infected person can spread E. coli, especially if hand hygiene is neglected. This is common in settings like households, daycare centers, and nursing homes.
• Contact with Animals: Direct contact with animals, especially at farms, petting zoos, or fairs, can lead to transmission if individuals do not wash their hands thoroughly after interaction.

How Can Someone Prevent E. coli Infections?

Preventing E. coli infections involves several key practices focusing on hygiene, food safety, and awareness:

• Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, preparing food, after using the restroom, and after handling animals. Hand sanitizers can be used when soap and water are not available, but they are not as effective against some types of E. coli.
• Cook Meat Thoroughly: Ensure all meat, particularly ground beef, reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C). Use a food thermometer to verify this. Avoid consuming rare or medium-rare meat.
• Avoid Raw Milk and Unpasteurized Products: Consume only pasteurized milk, juices, and ciders. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria including E. coli.
• Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Rinse all fresh produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking, even if you plan to peel them. This reduces the risk of transferring bacteria from the surface to the inside.
• Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods. Thoroughly clean all surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils with hot, soapy water after they’ve been in contact with raw meat.
• Stay Informed About Recalls: Pay attention to food recalls due to E. coli contamination. Recalled products should be returned or disposed of as advised by health authorities.
• Drink Safe Water: Ensure your drinking water is from a safe and reliable source. Avoid swallowing water when swimming in pools, lakes, or other bodies of water that may be contaminated.

By adhering to these preventative measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of E. coli infections and promote better overall public health.

Omaha E. coli Statistics

In Douglas County, 61 cases of E. coli were reported, with an incidence rate per 100,000 people of 10.3. This was an increase of 118.2% compared to the annual median for 2013-2022, which was 27.5 cases. However, between 2015 and 2023, no cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) were reported in Douglas County.

Douglas County Health Department reported that, of the cases that were able to be interviewed regarding Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), 74.4% of people said they had eaten at least one E. coli high-risk foods, such as beef, eggs, herbs, poultry, raw fruit, and raw vegetables; most commonly this was raw fruit or vegetables.

Call or Message Us Now

Have you or a loved one suffered from an E. coli infection? You don’t have to navigate this tough time alone. The Lange Law Firm is dedicated to helping individuals like you with E. coli cases. Our dedicated team will thoroughly investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Reach out to us today at (833) 330-3663 or email us for a free consultation. We’re here to offer the support and legal knowledge you need. Don’t wait—reach out now and begin your journey toward justice and recovery.