A 73-year old male from the Germantown area, who has been in serious medical condition as a result of a foodborne E. coli outbreak in the Germantown area has died. Montgomery County Health Commissioner Jim Gross offers, “Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. This is a very difficult time for everyone. You may rest assured that Public Health will continue to examine all aspects of this foodborne tragedy.”

As a result of eating food at a picnic at Neff’s Lawn Care in Germantown, at least 75 individuals have become ill. Of those, 14 have been hospitalized. Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County is continuing an investigation into the cause of the foodborne outbreak. Over 300 people may have attended an annual customer appreciation picnic held by Neff’s Lawn Care, 9400 Ekhart Road, on July 3. Of the ill, 18 have been confirmed as being infected by E. coli O157. Two individuals are experiencing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a disease that destroys red blood cells, and can cause sudden, short-term-acute-kidney failure. Those affected include a 4-year old female and a 14-year old male. Both are in serious medical condition.