Public Health Officials Announce Uptick of E. coli in Josephine County

Last week, public health officials announced an uptick in local cases of E. coli in Josephine County Oregon. Little information is available, but the issue is serious enough to issue a public alert to help residents stay safe while they figure out what is going on.

Here is what we know about the recent cases of E. coli in Josephine County Oregon.

Reports of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Josephine County

Josephine County Public Health announced an uptick in local cases of a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in Josephine County on August 29, 2024.

The Department did not indicate the number of cases. However, it is likely more than two or three to garner attention. Single cases are often still investigated. But when a cluster of illnesses with the same strain of a pathogen pop up, it signals a much larger-scale issue.

E. coli in Josephine County Not Likely Linked to Local Issue

Josephine County Public Health has indicated that the issue may be outside of local businesses and originate from something potentially larger.

“Experts are looking into the source of the infections and at this time do not believe the exposure is linked to any local business, park or recreational body of water.”

So, what could it be?

Could These Cases of E. coli in Josephine County be Related to the FDA E. coli Investigation?

While not expressed, these cases may be linked to a nationally investigated FDA outbreak investigation. Just the day before this Josephine County Health Department announcement, the FDA announced a new outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses.

This E. coli O157:H7 strain is also a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strain.

The FDA outbreak, announced on August 28, 2024, is so far linked to at least 25 illnesses.

Like many other outbreaks, this is probably a minimal representation of the true number of cases. It can take as long as four weeks from a sick person seeking medical treatment to updating into this announcement. Additionally, many illnesses go unreported because they are so mild that the individual opts to treat at home instead of seeking medical help and never tested for E. coli.

So far, this FDA outbreak investigation is still in the “initiated traceback” phase and no product has been identified as causing these illnesses.

The investigation is ongoing.

Josephine County Health Department Provides Recommendations to Help Protect Yourself and Your Family from E. coli Infections

To help protect their community, Josephine County Health Department included recommendations in their public health alert. These recommendations not only help prevent E. coli infections, but other foodborne illnesses as well.

“JCPH experts recommend the following steps to help prevent E. coli infections:

• Practice good overall hygiene with special attention to good handwashing.
• Wash your hands after touching animals or their environments.
• Keep what you eat and drink away from animals.
• Cook meats thoroughly. Prevent raw meat from contacting other food. Do this by washing hands, utensils, cutting boards and surfaces after use to prepare meat.
• Avoid consuming raw and unpasteurized dairy and juice products.
• Avoid school and childcare attendance, food handling and patient care if you are ill. People with diarrhea should not go to school or childcare, handle food or care for patients.”

Common Sources of E. coli Bacteria

E. coli bacteria can be found in many places. The environment, food, water, and the intestines of people and animals.

Most E. coli bacteria are a harmless part of our gut microbiome. Though some strains, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli like E. coli O157:H7 can be very dangerous. Even life-threatening.

Common sources of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli are:

• Raw or undercooked ground meat products
• Raw milk and cheeses
• Contaminated vegetables
• Sprouts

Any food can be potentially contaminated. So prevention is key to help prevent infection.

Who is More at Risk?

Anyone can become sick if exposed to E. coli bacteria. However, some people are more likely to become sick if exposed and experience more serious illness if infected.

Children younger than five years-old, adults over 65 years-old, and those with a weakened immune system are more vulnerable.

Symptoms to Look Out For

E. coli causes a gastrointestinal illness with potentially serious, life-threatening complications.

The most common symptoms of E. coli infections include:

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody or watery)
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting or low fever (in some cases, but not all)

Call your doctor if you have diarrhea or vomiting that lasts for more than two days, have bloody poop or pee, fever higher than 102° F, signs of dehydration, or signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?

Hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, can be triggered by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections. The infection results in broken down blood cells that flog the filtering activities in the kidneys.

This can lead to kidney failure, permanent health problems, or even death.

Signs of HUS include:

• Reduced urination
• Paleness in cheeks and inside lower eyelids
• Unexplained bruising or rash of tiny spots
• Blood in urine
• Feeling tired
• Decreased awareness (alertness)

About 5 to 10% of those infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli develop HUS.

People with HUS require hospitalization to monitor their kidneys and for other complications.

While most people recover within a few weeks with prompt medical care, others may suffer more permanent damage or even death from HUS related complications.

What to Do If You Believe You Have an E. coli Infection

If you have symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection, you may be wondering what you can do to help.

Without a known cause, every person sick with this outbreak strain could be potentially holding a clue to the origins.

Even if your symptoms are mild, it is still a good idea to report your illness to your local health department. They may ask you questions about your symptoms, what and where you have eaten in the past few weeks, and other supporting information. So have that information handy.

The Lange Law Firm Can Help!

If you have become seriously ill with an E. coli infection and wish to make a legal claim for compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has an E. coli lawyer that can help.

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully won millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases and they can help you too!

Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation.

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)