35 E. coli Cases Associated with Topps Hamburgers
Pritzker | Ruohonen, an E. coli litigation law firm, is investigating cases of E. coli associated with Topps hamburgers. If you have been diagnosed with an E. coli infection and/or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), please contact the firm toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.
Genetic fingerprinting has identified 35 cases of E. coli O157:H7 associated with Topps hamburgers. The new information from the CDC is as follows:
Investigators compared the “DNA fingerprints” patterns of E. coli O157 strains found in ground beef with “DNA fingerprints” patterns of E. coli O157 strains isolated from ill persons. As of 12 PM (ET) October 9, 2007, 35 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection have been identified with PFGE patterns that match at least one of the patterns of E. coli strains found in Topp's brand frozen ground beef patties. Ill persons reside in 8 states [Connecticut (2), Florida (1), Indiana (1), Maine (1), New Jersey (8), New York (11), Ohio (1), and Pennsylvania (10)]. Twenty-one (91%) of 24 patients with a detailed food history consumed ground beef. Three illnesses have confirmed associations with recalled products because the strain isolated from the person was also isolated from the meat in their home. The first reported illness began on July 5, 2007, and the last began on September 23, 2007. Among twenty-four ill persons for whom hospitalization status is known, fifteen (63%) were hospitalized. One patient developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported. Fifteen (45%) patients are female. The ages of patients range from 1 to 77 years; 52% are between 15 and 24 years old (only 14% of the US population is in this age group).