Campylobacter Rises in San Joaquin County

Posted on May 20, 2011 by PritzkerLaw

An outbreak of campylobacteriosis  in San Joaquin County, California, spiked up last summer and has continued into this year, but the source of the food poisonings is still under investigation. San Joaquin County Health Officer Dr. Karen Furst told the Stockton Record newspaper that the county recorded 233 Campylobacter infections last year compared to 135 in 2009.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outbreaks of Campylobacter jejuni are usually associated with unpasteurized milk or contaminated water. The bacteria also is commonly associated with poultry.

Most people who become ill with campylobacteriosis get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within two to five days after exposure to the organism. The diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The illness typically lasts one week. Some infected persons do not have any symptoms. In persons with compromised immune systems, Campylobacter occasionally spreads to the bloodstream and causes a serious life-threatening infection known as Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).

There are several forms of Guillain-Barré syndrome, but some of the more commonly encountered effects are limb and respiratory weakness, and loss of reflexes. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., currently represents GBS patients who became sick from Campylobacter -- including a Pennsylvania man who was left paralyzed in an outbreak caused by contaminated raw milk. For answers to legal questions, call a Campylobacter lawyer at our firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact form. All consultations are free.

 

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Raw Cream Campylobacter Recall

Posted on September 13, 2008 by PritzkerLaw

Organic Pastures of Fresno County, California is recalling Grade A raw cream due to the detection of Campylobacter in the product.  According to KCRA, the recall is statewide, and affects all products of Grade A raw cream from the company that is dated Sept. 12. Not only is the product being pulled from store shelves, but consumers are advised to throw away any raw cream that may have already been purchased. Campylobacter is one of the more common causes of foodborne illness in the United States, and can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

 

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EcoDairy Farms Raw Milk Associated with California Campylobacter Outbreak

Posted on August 19, 2008 by PritzkerLaw

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Health officials have associated raw milk from Alexandre Family EcoDairy Farms, a Del Norte County, California dairy with an outbreak of Campylobacter . The Del Norte County Department of Public Health has confirmed 3 cases of Campylobacter infection and is awaiting the results for 12 additional cases.

One woman sickened in this outbreak has developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition in which the body damages its own nerve cells, resulting in muscle weakness and, in some cases, paralysis and death.

Because selling raw milk is illegal in California, dairies sell shares in a cow and distribute raw milk from the cow to "owners." The dairies often have the "owners" sign contracts where the "owners" agree to hold the dairies harmless if someone is sickened by the raw milk.

If you signed one of these "hold harmless" agreements and contracted Campylobacter after consuming the raw milk, you may still have grounds for a lawsuit against the dairy.  Contact our law firm for a free Campylobacter case review. 

 

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