Michigan E. coli Has Company in Ohio
The Michigan Department of Agriculture is conducting an E. coli traceback investigation to determine whether a common food distributor is involved in an E. coli outbreak that has made people sick in Michigan and Ohio.
Dr. Diana Torres-Burgos, medical director of Washtenaw County Public Health in Ypsilanti, Michigan, issued a press release saying the investigation is progressing.
"Initial findings indicated ill persons were exposed at one or more local eateries. Additional evidence now indicates there may have been a problem related to the distribution of certain foods received locally,'' the press release said.
Her announcement coincided with news that Ohio authorities have matched at least two E. coli illnesses to the Michigan outbreak. The Columbus Dispatch reported that victims of the outbreak include students at Ohio State University and the University of Michigan.
“We are currently working with all identified cases to collect the information we need,” says Dr. Mysheika LeMaile-Williams, Medical Director for the City of Columbus, “and we are actively doing everything we can to identify the source of infection.”
In Ohio there are five confirmed E. coli illnesses and at least 6 other probable cases under investigation. In Michigan, there are seven matching E. coli illnesses and 14 cases awaiting lab results. In both states, the type of E. coli is not E. coli O157:H7. The outbreak strain has only been identified as E. coli non-O157.
Several types of non-0157 E. coli emit Shiga toxins that can produce life-threatening consequences for those who become infected. The toxins attack and misshape red blood cells in the body and can penetrate the central nervous system.
Besides commonly causing kidney failure, the toxins can cause heart problems, brain damage, coma, stroke, paralysis and colon destruction. The advanced illnesses are part of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), two life-threatening diseases.Those most at risk are small children, the elderly and people who have weakened immune systems.
If you or a loved one is a victim in this outbreak, contact an experienced E. coli lawyer at national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. We are one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and over the years we have collected millions for our clients.
