Apple Cider Suspected in Tri State E coli Outbreak

Posted by E. coli Attorney on October 30, 2008

Apple cider is suspected as a the cause of E coli poisonings in Iowa and Illinois.   There are now a half dozen E coli cases in the area.  According to WKOW-TV in Madison,Wisconsin:

There are now six confirmed cases of E coli in the Tri-States, and a source might have been discovered among the ones in Southeast Iowa.

According to the Burlington Hawkeye, late last week, the Des Moines County and Lee County Health Departments each confirmed another infection.

That puts the E coli case count at three in Lee County, two in Des Moines County, and one in Hancock County.

Yesterday, the Hancock County Health Department released a statement saying their case was unrelated to the recent Iowa infections. The Hawkeye reports that sources close to the Iowa cases believe that unpasteurized apple cider caused children to become sick.

However, no businesses or facilities have been asked to shut down in connection to the cases.

It is not uncommon for ground apples to be used for making cider, but people often forget that cows often visit such areas first.  Also the Iowa Department of Public Health put out a press release Tuesday warning people to take caution when drinking unpastuerized apple cider.

The story of one of the victims, 7-year-old TiAhnna Bryant, can be found here.

 

Third Restaurant Closes Due to E Coli Outbreak in Ontario

Posted by E. coli Attorney on October 30, 2008

There are fewer restaurants open in Ontario due to E coli outbreaks.   Add M.T. Bellies in Welland to the list that already includes the Little Red Rooster restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Harvey's in North Bay--all closed because they are associated with ongoing E coli outbreaks.

The Canwest News Service reports that:

Health officials in the Niagara region are investigating eight new cases of E. coli infection, bringing to 31 the number of people suspected of having been sickened by the food-borne bacterium.

Eighteen of the currently suspected cases have been linked to the Little Red Rooster restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., and nine cases are connected to M.T. Bellies in Welland, Ont., Niagara Region Public Health officials said Thursday.

The remaining four have not yet been tied to a particular locale.

Medical officials have not yet been able to identify a specific source for the O157: H7 strain of E. coli at the centre of the outbreak.

Four hundred miles north, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit officials were investigating 235 cases in the central Ontario city, 45 of which have been confirmed as caused by the particular strain of E. coli.  Harvey's restaurant in North Bay closed on Oct. 12th.

 

Second Ontario Restaurant Making Its Customers Sick With E Coli

Posted by E. coli Lawyer on October 28, 2008

There are almost 400 miles between the Harvey's restaurant in North Bay and the Little Red Rooster restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake, but the two Ontario restaurants may be sharing a E. coli outbreak.

In North Bay, the number of confirmed E. Coli cases was up to 229.   In Niagara,  the count stood at 18.

Bjorn Christensen, the Niagara's director of environmental health, said they have not yet been able to determine the specific source of the E. coli, but it is commonly found in undercooked beef.

Investigators are looking at other possible sources, including other restaurants and food distributors in the area.

Christensen said that given the restaurant's popularity with tourists and proximity to the U.S. border, it is possible new cases might be found outside of the region.

Meanwhile, in the central Ontario city of North Bay, health officials said 12 more cases of E. coli are being investigated for a total of 229 cases.

Forty-four of those cases have been confirmed to be E. coli O157: H7.

Both Ontario restaurants closed as a result of the E. coli outbreaks (or outbreak)  Go here for more.

Iztapa Restaurant in Washington State Sued By E Coli Victim

Posted by E. coli Lawyer on October 24, 2008

The first lawsuit stemming from the Snohomish county E. coli outbreak was filed earlier this week in the Superior Court for the State of Washington, County of Snohomish. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the minor child of Alison and Ray Riojas of Snohomish County, against Ixtapa Family Mexican Restaurant, which has been identified as the source of the outbreak.

The Riojas family ate at the Ixtapa Restaurant in Lake Stevens on or about October 11. One of their daughters began to feel ill on October 13, and on the 14th was sent home from school. She began to experience diarrhea, which soon turned bloody. On October 16, Mrs. Riojas took her daughter to the pediatrician, where she was advised to go to the Children’s Hospital Emergency Room. At the ER, the child was treated for dehydration and released. Over that day, her symptoms continued to worsen. In severe pain, she was returned to the ER, where she was treated with pain medication and allowed to go home. That night, the child was taken to the ER for a third time, where she began to vomit blood. She was admitted, and a stool sample revealed that she was infected with E. coli O157:H7. The genetic pattern of her E. coli would later match others in the developing outbreak tied to the Ixtapa Restaurant.
The Riojas child has returned home where she continues to recover from her illness. She lost 9 pounds and is too weak to walk; if she has to move, her parents carry her.

News Coverage:

Lawsuit filed in E. coli outbreak tied to Lake Stevens restaurant

Lawsuit filed in Snohomish County E. coli outbreak

Lake Stevens eatery reopens as E. coli suit filed

Family files suit in Lake Stevens E. coli sickness

North Bay E Coli Outbreak Grows To 190

Posted by E. coli Lawyer on October 22, 2008

Harvey's restaurant in North Bay, Ontario must have been a popular place.   The number of E coli 0157:H7 cases linked to Harvey's increased today to 190, up from 158 just a day earlier.   Of those, 36 have been confirmed by laboratory results.  CBC News gave this report:

"We believe the increase in the number of cases is largely due to people who are still reporting their symptoms and are within the expected timeframe of the outbreak," the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit said in a statement.

The cases are spread across nine health unit districts in Ontario and one in Quebec, and the majority remain linked to the Harvey's on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay, the city's health unit said.

All of the initial food samples collected on Oct. 12, when health officials shut down the restaurant, have tested negative for E. coli strain.

All of the packaged food from the restaurant have also tested negative for E. coli, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Go here for more, including information on contacting the District Health Unit.

Michigan State E Coli Victim Files Lawsuit

Posted by E. coli Lawyer on October 22, 2008

A University of Michigan student has filed a lawsuit against Detroit-based Aunt Mid's Produce in connection with a statewide E. coli outbreak last month.  The lawsuit -- the second against Aunt Mid's since the outbreak -- was filed Monday in Washtenaw County Circuit Court on behalf of a U-M senior who alleges she was sickened in the outbreak, which has been linked to Aunt Mid's.  At least 38 people were sickened in Michigan last month by an E. coli strain linked to industrial-size packages of iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid's to restaurants and institutions. In her complaint, the student says she consumed the contaminated lettuce in mid-September, and by Sept. 19, she began to experience abdominal cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea.  She sought treatment at the University of Michigan Health Service Clinic. An MSU student has also sued Aunt Mid's in connection with the E. coli outbreak.

Ontario, Vermont, & Washington State All Tracking E. coli Outbreaks; Meat Recall Underway

Posted by E. coli Attorney on October 20, 2008

We are beginning to wonder if the number and seriousness  of E. coli 0157:H7 has become so routine  that its like background music.  

The North Bay, Ontario outbreak has  reached 159 confirmed and suspected cases, say Canadian health officials.  South of the border, there are 10 more 0157:H7 victims in Vermont, where Vermont Livestock, Slaughter and Processing Co. has recalled of 2,758 pounds of ground beef due to the fact that they may be contaminated with E. coli.

Across the country north of Seattle, health officials in Snohomish County say they are investigating at least six cases of E. coli poisoning.

Some of the anger that is common with E. coli victims was documented by The Canadian Press.  It reports:

Twenty-year-old student Kelly Fortier says she's angry her life has been put on hold since eating two weeks ago at a local Harvey's restaurant linked to the outbreak.

She suffered terrible cramps and bloody diarrhea and was hospitalized for four days, and she still can't go to school or work.

"I'm still in isolation - I can't go anywhere," Fortier said.

"I have other things to do, which I can't do. I was upset when I was in hospital, because I thought I was dying. But mainly I'm just angry."

 

Oklahoma Was Slow To Close Popular Locust Grove Restaurant

Posted by E. coli Lawyer on October 19, 2008

The Oklahoma State Health Department arrived in Locust Grove at nightfall last Aug. 22nd to investigate multiple reports of food poisoning in the area.

They knew by the next day that the Country Cottage restaurant was implicated in the outbreak, but allowed popular family dining spot to remain open until it closed voluntarily three days later on Aug. 26th.

The slow response was detailed today by Daily Oklahoman reporters Tony Thornton, Randy Ellis and Nolan Clay.  They reported that:

State Health Department officials allowed a Locust Grove restaurant to stay open temporarily — even after confirming six of eight initial food poisoning victims had eaten its food, internal documents show.
That decision may have resulted in additional people getting sick.

A rare strain of E. coli, 0111, caused the outbreak that killed a 26-year old man, put 72 in the hospital including seriously injured children, and made another 241 sick.

The Country Cottage remains closed. According to health officials, every 0111 victim had consumed food prepared by the Country Cottage. Officials have been unable to isolate a single source.

The work of the Oklahoman's investigative reporters can be found here.

 

Harvey's Restaurant in North Bay Linked To E. Coli Outbreak

Posted by E. coli Lawyer on October 15, 2008

Canada has seen more of its fair share of food-borne illness in recent months, especially with the Maple Leaf listeria outbreak that has killed 20.   Now its got a full-blown E. coli outbreak on its hands as well.

Ontario's North Bay Parry Sound Health District today is reporting its:

...caseload of people who are ill with symptoms of E coli O157:H7 has increased overnight, as was anticipated. There are now 14 lab-confirmed cases of E coli and 38 are under investigation, bringing the total to 52 cases connected to this E coli outbreak investigation. All of the people who have become ill are linked to the Harvey’s Restaurant on Algonquin Avenue since September 28th 2008.

“Unfortunately, because of the number of meals served at Harvey’s Restaurant on a daily basis and the long incubation period of E coli O157:H7, we did predict that there would be an increase in the number of people who might be affected.” says Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health.   “Right now, I can tell you that the ages of the people who are ill range from 9 years old up to 84 years of age. Some of them are in hospital and some are recovering at home.”

Public Health Inspectors continue to collect information and analyze data to ensure that all possible sources of E coli are being investigated. City of North Bay emergency crews also conducted extra testing on the municipal water during the weekend. Lab test results confirm that drinking water is not the source.

For more from the Health District, go here.  North Bay is a city of about 54,000 in northeastern Ontario.  Its history is associated with the Canadian Pacific Railway.

E coli Kills Kansas Boys in Witchita Medical Center

Posted by E. coli Lawyer on October 14, 2008

There is a lot of Kansas separating the towns of Liberal and Matfield Green.  

Liberal is an Oklahoma panhandle border town.  The 20,000 who make Liberal home depend on oil, gas, and helium as well as agriculture.  Its closer to Denver, Colorado than Kansas City, Kansas.

Matfield Green is just off I-35, northeast of Wichita halfway to Topeka. The Chase County town has just 60 people.  Known for the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Chase County has about 3000 residents.

What binds these two Kansas towns together are the deaths of two children from E. coli, and the Wesley Regional Medical Center in Wichita, where both died. 

Dead is 4-year old Brant Burton, son of T.W. and Rachelle Burton of Matfield Green and 18-month old Tanner Strickland of Liberal.  Tanner's brother continues to battle E. coli at the Wichita hospital.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is investigating the deaths.

 

 

E coli Contamination Brings Recall of Nicaraguan Beef

Posted by E. coli Lawyer on October 13, 2008

In a world where financial markets around the globe can all either light up or melt down in an instant, the path meat takes to our tables should not come as a surprise.   Still, we are reminded how quickly these linkages can catch up with us when the United States is recalling Nicaraguan-produced beef being distributed by a packer in Puerto Rico.

While this isn't going to make Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega happy (see picture to see how he looks now), United Press International is reporting:

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service announced a recall of approximately 420 pounds of frozen beef trim in Puerto Rico due to possible contamination.

The FSIS said Packers Provision, a Puerto Nuevo, Puerto Rico, company recalled the meat because it might be contaminated with E.coli O157:H7.

Being recalled are 60-pound bulk boxes of "BM-95 BONELESS BEEF." Each shipping container bears the establishment No. "Nicaragua 4" inside the Nicaraguan mark of inspection. The shipping label bears the item No. "00003," and an Aug. 19 packing date.

The recall expands a similar action announced last week in which Nicaraguan-produced frozen beef trim products were exported to the United States and then sent to various distributors and other establishments for further processing. The recall was expanded Monday to Puerto Rico.

For the UPI story, go here.

Just Another Week of E. coli Taking Victims In Amercia

Posted by E. coli Attorney on October 11, 2008

We thought we'd do something different today, and just give a rundown on the E, coli news we've been involved in.  Every week is getting to be E. coli week in America.  This is a look-back on the last one.  Here we go!

We received several calls last Monday from  sorority sisters who had been sickened by E. coli O157:H7 at the University of Colorado in Boulder.  Interestingly, the common denominator seems to be Jimmy John’s – just off campus.  Coincidentally, the first inspection since 7/28/06 occurred on 9/28/08 and the report was mailed,also on Monday, to Mr. Prescott (the owner) .  The purpose was to investigate "suspect food-borne illness complaint who reported eating at the facility. Complainants had approximately 13 sandwich plates with 10 sandwiches each delivered to their facility on Sept. 20th.  Sandwiches included Big John’s, Turkey Tom, Ham and Cheese, and Vegetarian."  E. coli does not seem to be listed as an ingredient – yet.

On Tuesday Butte County health officials announced  that leftover frozen tainted tri-tip, that sickened at least 27 people, tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.  The bacteria in the meat perfectly matches (by PFGE genetic fingerprint) the bacteria found in stool samples taken from several people who became ill.

 

Continue Reading...

Raw Milk Farms Celebrate; Their Product Sends Three To Hospital

Posted by E. coli Lawyer on October 05, 2008

Today farms selling raw milk in Vermont held open houses. They invited city and town folk to "hop from farm to farm and spend the afternoon getting to know the farmers, dairy cows and goats in your community and beyond. Tour the farms, taste the milk, and even purchase a gallon to bring home!"

When they picked Sunday, Oct. 5, for the event, the raw milk dairies probably did not anticipate it would coincide with an E. coli outbreak blamed on their product.

Three people from Orleans County, Vermont are down the E. coli after consuming either raw milk or ice cream made with raw milk, health officials say.

In Vermont, farmers are allowed to sell small quantities of raw milk and raw milk products, but only on the farm. State health officials and the state Agency of Agriculture recommend that raw milk not be consumed.

The suggested donation for Sunday's open house was $10 per family, and all proceeds went benefit Rural Vermont's Farm Fresh Milk Campaign. Maybe the Campaign will step up and pay some medical bills!   But we bet the milk goes sour long before that happens.
 

Boulder, Where The Rich Always Keep Secrets, Won't Say Which Sorority Has E coli Outbreak

Posted by E. coli Attorney on October 02, 2008

Public Health Officials Investigating wave of E. coli cases

Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) is currently investigating a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 infections associated with students attending the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU). Since September 23rd, BCPH has investigated eight related cases.

Initial investigations indicate that on-campus dining is not related to the illness. BCPH staff is working closely with CU and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to identify the source of the outbreak and any additional cases among students and the public.  According to the Daily Camera, Initial investigations showed that on-campus dining isn't related to the outbreak, but health officials are still trying to identify the source. Of the eight cases, seven are CU students and one is a sorority adviser. Most of the affected students are members of the same sorority, which CU officials declined to name.

There have been recent E. coli outbreaks traced to steaks and lettuce.