CO Costco Cheese E. coli Outbreak
A Colorado Costco cheese E. coli outbreak has sickened eight individuals in the state while federal health officials are warning consumers not to eat Bravo Farms Dutch-style Gouda cheese. Costco sold and offered the cheese as free samples for in-store tastings during a cheese road show from October 5 to November 1.
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Besides Colorado, the Costco cheese E. coli outbreak has sickened 11 in Arizona, 1 in California, 3 in New Mexico and 2 in Nevada. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that nine of these Gouda cheese E. coli outbreak victims were hospitalized, including one possible case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
In Colorado, people n the following counties have become ill: Douglas (4), Arapahoe (3) and Boulder (1)
CDC is collaborating with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the other states in tracking this outbreak, which involves a rare strain of E. coli 0157:H7. Dates of illness onset range from October 16 through October 24, but illnesses that started after October 24 may be confirmed at later dates. The CDC said patients in this outbreak have ranged in age from 2 to 81 years and the median age is 14 years.
Preliminary laboratory testing conducted on an opened package of Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese purchased at Costco from a case patient’s home has indicated the presence of E. coli O157:H7. Additional laboratory testing is currently ongoing to confirm this result, including tests by Costco.
According to Bravo Farm's Web site, the California company's cheeses are made from fresh raw milk from its family's farm. Unpasteurized milk presents a human health risk for E. coli infection and other pathogens.
The E. coli attorneys at Pritzker Olsen, a national food safety law firm, are investigating this Colorado Costco cheese E. coli outbreak and attorney Fred Pritzker has contacted epidemiologists and other food safety experts as part of the firm’s investigation. The firm has established a claims center for members of the public and free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page.
Meanwhile, Colorado and Tri-County health officials are urging individuals experiencing signs or symptoms of E.coli infection to immediately contact their health care provider. Health care providers also should immediately report any suspected infection to state or local public health authorities. The Tri-County Health Department, which serves Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, has the highest number of cases in this outbreak and has been heavily involved in the investigation with the state, FDA and CDC.
“I’m very proud of Tri-County staff, who played a major role in linking illnesses with the cheese served and sold at Costco,” said Dr. Richard L. Vogt, executive director of Tri-County Health Department.
