The Winnebago County Illinois Health Department has confirmed three cases of Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli (STEC) in the county.

The patients experienced diarrhea beginning May 31. The cause of the illness has not yet been determined, the department announced Friday evening.

The following are symptoms of E. coli and may be seen with or without a fever: abdominal cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Residents are urged to contact a health care provider if they experienced symptoms on or after May 21.

To prevent E. coli, wash hands thoroughly; follow the four steps to food safety — clean, separate, cook, and chill; wash fruits and vegetables well under running water; cook meats thoroughly; wash hands, counters, cutting boards and utensils after they touch raw meat; and avoid raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products or juices.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of E. coli outbreaks and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The E. coli lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of E. coli and other foodborne illness infections and have recovered over $650 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our E. coli lawyers have litigated E. coli and HUS cases stemming from outbreaks traced to ground beef, raw milk, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and other food products.  The law firm has brought E. coli lawsuits against such companies as Jack in the Box, Dole, ConAgra, Cargill, and Jimmy John’s.  We have proudly represented such victims as Brianne Kiner, Stephanie Smith and Linda Rivera.

If you or a family member became ill with an E. coli infection or HUS after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark E. coli attorneys for a free case evaluation.