In Michigan, Three Outbreaks, Three Months, One Strain: E. coli 0157: NM
Over the last three months, three E. coli outbreaks in Michigan have all been caused by E. coli 0157:NM, a rare strain of the pathogen.
Last week, Michigan health officials announced that three Maple Rapids residents had contracted E.coli infections. Two of them were children who required hospitalization for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious, potentially fatal complication of E. coli poisoning.
A source of this outbreak has not yet been determined. However, during the past three months, there were two other outbreaks of E. coli 0157:NM:
One prior E. coli O157:NM outbreak was linked to ground beef processed and distributed by McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC, of North Branch, Mich. A total of five confirmed E. coli cases and four probable cases were reported in Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella, and Sanilac counties. Illness onset dates range from July 18-30. Those sickened ranged in age from 15-88.
The other prior E. coli O157:NM outbreak involved three people who ate beef at the Clinton County Fair and were sickened by E. coli 0157:NM. The beef was supplied by McNees, according to a story in the Michigan Morning Sun.
Prior to the McNees outbreak, E. coli 0157:NM had not been seen in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health's Bureau of Laboratories.
E. coli poisoning can have serious complications, including HUS, which most often affects children under the age of 10. It is characterized by damage and destruction of the red blood cells, which leads anemia, blood clots, and damage to blood vessel walls. Complications of HUS are severe and can include kidney damage, seizures, coma, stroke and damage to the central nervous system.
Contact our E. coli lawyers for a free consultation regarding legal help for victims of these outbreaks and their families.
