Since being ground zero for the infamous Jack-in-the-Box E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in 1993, the pacific northwest has had its share of E. coli O157H7 outbreaks. It appears another outbreak may be on the way. As reported here this morning, Sally Jackson cheese company, from Oroville, Washington, has recalled all of its cheese products due to contamination by E. coli O157:H7. The recalled cheeses look to be the source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Oregon and/or Washington.

Prior E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks in Oregon and Washington include:

2000, Oregon, Wendys:  Health officials linked at least 35  E. coli O157:H7 illnesses to a Wendy’s restaurant in Salem, Oregon.  Marler Clark represented fifteen victims of the Wendy’s E. coli outbreak in claims against the restaurant chain, including two young boys who developed HUS and will suffer life-long complications related to their E. coli infections.

2005, Washington, Raw Milk:   Washington, health officials traced the source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that had sickened at least 18 people to unpasteurized milk produced by Dee Creek Farm. Two children who drank the raw milk were hospitalized in critical condition.  Marler Clark represented the families of children who were severely injured after drinking the E. coli-contaminated raw milk in litigation against Dee Creek Farms.

2006, Oregon and Washington, Dole Spinach:  Marler Clark represented residents of Oregon and Washington who were among the over 200 sickened in this national outbreak.

2007, Oregon, Ground beef:  Health officials announced that one child and five adults in Washington, and two Oregon, residents had become ill with E. coli infections that were traced to ground beef produced by Interstate Meats. Interstate Meats recalled approximately 41,300 lbs. of ground beef products for potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Marler Clark represented two victims of the outbreak

2008, Washington, Ixtapa restaurant: A cluster of E. coli O157:H7 cases was traced to the Ixtapa restaurant in Lake Stevens, Washington.  The Washington State Department of Health (WSDOH) ultimately identified 64 cases.  Marler Clark represents 25 of the ill persons in the ongoing litigation.