To update, two clusters of non-O157:H7 E. coli illnesses in Michigan and Ohio share the same genetic pattern and appear to be linked to a common food item. 10 Washtenaw County (MI) residents have suffered culture confirmed E. coli O145 infections, and the health department is awaiting stool test results on another 14. Meanwhile
NY Senator Gillibrand to Secretary Vilsack: high time to regulate non-O157 E. coli
Is it mere coincidence that the Marler Clark firm’s petition to FSIS asking it to declare non-O157 strains of E. coli as adulterants in meat (submitted October 2009) is being considered in the midst of at least two outbreaks of non-O157 E. coli (O111 and O145)? Or is it proof that there is actually
The time is ripe to regulate non-O157 strains of STEC E. coli
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Currently, there are at least two outbreaks nationally that involve dangerous strains of E. coli that are not E. coli O157:H7. Michigan and Ohio are investigating at least 13 illnesses that occurred in mid-April, all of which are genetically indistinguishable strains of E. coli O145. (Incidentally, this was one of the strains involved in
Michigan, Ohio no strangers to E. coli
The ongoing E. coli outbreak in Michigan and Ohio is reminiscent of several other outbreaks, resulting in lots of illnesses, that have occurred in those states in the past several years:
–Of course, residents of both states were sickened by E. coli O157:H7 in the infamous outbreak linked to Dole baby spinach in
E. coli outbreak in Ohio and Michigan: what’s the common link?
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A week ago, we reported on a developing E. coli outbreak in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Notably, the outbreak is not attributable to E. coli O157:H7–the most notorious of all E. coli strains–but it does appear to be a shiga-toxin producing strain of E. coli. Apparently, the outbreak is no longer confined to Washtenaw County
Suspected E. coli Illnesses in Washtenaw County, MI Spur Public Health Warnings
Ten illnesses in Washtenaw County, Michigan, appear to be E. coli infections, although the county is a.gif)
waiting final test results. The Washtenaw Public Health Department is urging anyone with symptoms of E. coli infection to contact the health department while it investigates the possible source.
“It’s especially important for physicians, pediatricians, urgent care providers
As clues trickle in, Hawaii E. coli outbreak likely caused by foodhandling errors
Lawsuits frequently turn on circumstantial evidence. Juries are instructed that there is no qualitative difference between circumstantial evidence (i.e. an inference reasonably drawn from the existence of another fact or circumstance) and direct evidence. In foodpoisoning and E. coli lawsuits, circumstantial evidence is frequently relied upon for proof of exactly how an outbreak occurs. For
Bellingham company recalls raw milk due to E. coli fears
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Late yesterday, a Bellingham, Washington company called Jackie’s Jersey Milk recalled raw milk product due to possible contamination by E. coli O157:H7. The contamination was detected during routine sampling and testing of the company’s products by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Products subject to the recall include all Jackie’s Jersey Raw Jersey Cow Milk with
1,636,000 Pounds of Beef Recalled since November due to E. coli O157:H7
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The unfortunate trend for E. coli and beef in late 2009 and 2010 continues. This evening, West MissourI Beef, LLC, a Rockville, Missouri beef company, recalled 14,000 pounds of boneless beef products due to potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Today’s recall brings the tally for recalled beef due to E. coli contamination to 1,636,000 pounds of beef
Cryptosporidium part of the Belgium, Wisconsin E. coli cluster
Sheboyganpress.com reports that the six children living in a well-defined, relatively small corner of Belgium, Wisconsin who were infected with E. coli O157:H7 had related infections with other dangerous bugs, including Cryptosporidium and Clostridium difficile.
Cryptosporidium parvum (also known as "Crypto") is a parasite that is too small to be seen with the naked eye. It is found in water and food sources contaminated with the feces of infected humans, cattle, and other mammals. The infectious form of the parasite, known as an "oocyst," is highly resistant to the levels of chlorine normally found in drinking water and swimming pools.
Symptoms of Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidiosis, the infection caused by ingestion of the Cryptosporidium parasite, causes painful abdominal cramping and profuse, watery diarrhea. In addition to diarrhea, symptoms of infection are fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis appear an average of seven days after oocysts are swallowed, and normally last for two weeks or less in healthy adults. People with compromised immune systems (those with diabetes, receiving cancer treatments, who have received organ transplants, or are infected with HIV/AIDS), the elderly, pregnant women, and small children are more likely to become infected, and will suffer more severe illnesses than healthy adults. In some cases, Cryptosporidiosis can be life-threatening, especially when those infected become dehydrated.
Detection and Treatment of CryptosporidiumContinue Reading Cryptosporidium part of the Belgium, Wisconsin E. coli cluster