E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Emerging in Maine
Maine's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has increased its surveillance of E. coli O157:H7 infections now that seven cases have been confirmed in the state since April 17.
Officials are not saying how many school-aged children are involved, but "school-based health centers'' received top billing on the list of recipients for the May 28 public health alert about the outbreak. The age range of the seven patients was listed as 14 years to 65, with a median age of 26.
According to the alert written by Dr. Dora Anne Mills, director of the Maine CDC, four of the seven cases are "considered part of a national cluster'' of genetically related infections. The matching "fingerprints'' were derived from pulse-field gel electrophoreses, or PFGE..jpg)
Mills reported that public health interviews of affected individuals have not resulted in any answers regarding the cause of the outbreak. The interviews of victims found "no common venues, events or foods,'' she wrote. The onset of illness in all seven cases fell between April 17-May 17, in Cumberland and York counties.
Mills has asked health practitioners in the state to be on extra alert for possible E. coli infections in patients with diarrheal illness. Symptoms of the disease include severe stomach cramping, diarrhea (often bloody) and possible nausea and vomiting.
National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is monitoring the Maine investigation and studying whether it is part of an emerging national outbreak. At this time of year, undercooked hamburgers on the grill are a common vehicle for E. coli O157:H7 food poisoning. But large summertime outbreaks of E. coli also have been linked to contaminated fresh produce.
If you have concerns about a possible E. coli infection that may be related to this outbreak, see a physician and call anE. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen. The number is 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free), or complete our online form for a free case consultation.
Pritzker Olsen has years of experience representing victims of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks. The organism, which grows in the hindguts of cattle, is a zero-tolerance adulterant in ground beef products. Most healthy adults overcome E. coli without medical treatment, but the pathogen can lead to death in young children, elderly adults and others with weakened immune systems. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, the leading cause of E. coli deaths, is a complication that can result in kidney failure.
