Cowans Gap E. coli Sickens 14 in Pennsylvania and Maryland, 5 with HUS
Our E. coli lawyers continue to investigate an E. coli O157 outbreak associated with swimming in the lake at Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania. We are looking at cases involving children who contracted E. coli infections and then developed kidney failure (renal failure) from a complication of E. coli called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a horrendous illness that, in addition to kidney failure, can cause severe seizures, strokes, heart failure, pancreatitis and other life-threatening medical problems. Our attorneys represent children with E. coli HUS throughout the United States. Contact our attorneys.
The Cowans Gap E. coli outbreak has sickened 14 people, all but one children. The outbreak victims swam in the lake between July 12 and July 31, most during the weekend of July 30-31. Swimming in the lake prior to becoming ill was the only factor in common among all of the ill individuals.
To date, the E. coli victims include the following:
- 11 people from Pennsylvania, most from the south-central region of the state
- 3 people from Maryland who visited Cowans Gap in July.
In the process of investigating the outbreak, Pennsylvania health officials found a different strain of E. coli in well water at the park. The new strain of E. coli bacteria was found in the raw water supply well that had not yet been treated with the chlorine system. Park officials are urging visitors to boil all water or use bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Cowans Gap State Park is located near McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, in Fulton County.
