122 sick from 26 states.

At least 52 hospitalized.

At least 14 with HUS.

1 death has been reported.

Ill people range in age from 1 to 88 years, with a median age of 29.

63% are female.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) reports North Dakota’s first case of E. coli infection associated with romaine lettuce originating from the Yuma, Arizona growing region. The NDDoH has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other state and local health officials in this national investigation. A second case in ND possibly associated with the outbreak is still under investigation.

“The FDA has stated they cannot be certain that romaine lettuce from the Yuma region is no longer in the supply chain due to the 21-day shelf life,” said Laura Cronquist, epidemiologist with the NDDoH. “Food service establishments and retailers should not sell or serve any romaine lettuce, including chopped, whole heads or hearts, that originate from Yuma, Arizona. Consumers should not eat or buy romaine lettuce unless they can confirm it is not from the Yuma growing region.”

As of May 2, 121 cases from 25 states have been reported to the CDC, not including the case from North Dakota, which will be added to the outbreak summary in the next update. Fifty-two cases have been hospitalized and there has been one death. Cases range in age from 1 to 88 years, with a median age of 29.  At least 52 people have been hospitalized with 14 with HUS.  There has been one death.

The most common symptoms of E. coli include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms typically begin three to four days after exposure to the bacteria, but can take as long as 10 days. Treatment with antibiotics is not recommended. Most cases resolve on their own, but severe cases and cases involving complications may require hospitalization. The CDC estimates that around 5-10 percent of people with E. coli infections develop a complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which affects the red blood cells and can cause kidney failure. Although anyone can develop HUS, this complication is more likely to occur in younger children, older adults, and those with impaired immune systems or other underlying health conditions. Indications that a person may be developing HUS include, decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and loss of pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.

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.