Tulsa E. Coli Lawyer

Escherichia coli, known as E. coli, is a bacterium that naturally occurs in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains are harmless and important for digestive health, but some strains can cause dangerous infections and diseases.

Symptoms of E. coli Infection

E. coli infections can vary in severity, but the symptoms generally appear within 3-4 days after exposure to the bacteria. However, symptoms can start as early as one day after exposure or as late as ten days. The severity and types of symptoms depend on the strain of E. coli and the individual’s health status.

Common Symptoms

Most people will experience many of the below symptoms when they have an E. coli infection.

Diarrhea

• Description: Ranges from mild and watery to severe and bloody.
• Onset: Usually begins suddenly.
• Duration: Can last from a few days to over a week.

Abdominal Cramps

• Description: Severe stomach pain or cramps, often centered around the lower abdomen.
• Onset: Often coincides with the onset of diarrhea.
• Duration: May persist for several days.

Vomiting

• Description: Not as common as diarrhea but can occur.
• Onset: Can happen concurrently with other symptoms.
• Duration: Typically short-lived, but can vary.

Nausea

• Description: A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit.
• Onset: Usually accompanies other gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Duration: Variable.

Fatigue

• Description: General feeling of tiredness and weakness.
• Onset: Can occur due to dehydration and the body’s effort to fight the infection.
• Duration: May last as long as the infection and recovery period.

Fever

• Description: Mild fever may occur, though high fever is uncommon with E. coli infections.
• Onset: Can appear with the initial symptoms.
• Duration: Typically subsides with the infection.

Severe Symptoms and Complications

Unfortunately, in some cases, people can experience serious complications, or more severe symptoms.

Bloody Diarrhea

• Description: Indicates more severe intestinal damage.
• Onset: Often appears a few days after the onset of symptoms.
• Duration: Can last several days.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

• Description: A serious complication that can develop in 5-10% of those infected with certain strains, particularly E. coli O157.
• Symptoms:
  • Hemolytic Anemia: Destruction of red blood cells.
  • Acute Kidney Failure: Reduced kidney function, leading to the buildup of waste products in the blood.
  • Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia): Increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
• Onset: Usually develops about a week after the onset of diarrhea.
• Risk Group: Young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

Dehydration

• Description: Loss of fluids due to severe diarrhea and vomiting.
• Symptoms:
  • Dry mouth and throat.
  • Decreased urine output or dark urine.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Increased thirst.
• Onset: Can occur rapidly with severe symptoms.
• Duration: Requires immediate medical attention and rehydration.

Kidney Damage

• Description: Can occur due to HUS or severe dehydration.
• Symptoms: Reduced urine output, swelling in limbs, high blood pressure.
• Onset: May develop during or after the acute phase of the infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or bloody diarrhea.
• Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down.
• Signs of dehydration (e.g., dizziness, decreased urination).
• High fever.
• Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve.

  E.coli infections typically present with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Severe cases can lead to complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause serious health issues like kidney failure. It’s important to monitor symptoms closely and seek medical care if severe symptoms or complications arise.

Tulsa E. coli Statistics

In 2008, one of the surrounding counties of Tulsa experienced the largest outbreak of the O111:NM strain of E. coli in the United States. The Tulsa Health Department helped to investigate the outbreak, which caused 314 illnesses. 26 of those people developed the serious condition hemolytic uremic syndrome, with dialysis required in 65.4% of those patients.

In 2018, Oklahoma was affected by a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce. In this instance, the E. coli strain was O157:H7 and could be traced back to the Yuma growing region in Arizona. 210 illnesses were reported with this outbreak, leading to 96 hospitalizations, 27 people developing hemolytic uremic syndrome, and 5 deaths.

Get in Contact

Reach out for help today. Call The Lange Law Firm at (833) 330-3663 or message us online for a free consultation. We’ll thoroughly investigate your E. coli case and seek the compensation you deserve.