Oregon Strawberry E. coli Outbreak Reportedly Caused by Deer Feces
The strawberry E. coli outbreak that killed a person in Oregon and sickened at least 14 others was caused by deer feces found in strawberry fields in Washington and Yamhill counties, Oregon health officials said.
Dr. Katrina Hedberg, Oregon Public Health's state epidemiologist, said there were six samples that positively matched the E. coli O157:H7 strain that was found in the people who were infected. Strawberries from the affected fields were produced last month by Jaquith Strawberry Farm, which is located in Newberg. Jaquith sold its strawberries to buyers who then resold them at roadside stands, farm stands and farmers' markets.
According to the agency's press release, investigators believe they have identified those operators and locations that possibly resold Jaquith strawberries. Jaquith finished its strawberry season in late July, and its strawberries are no longer on the market. But health officials are concerned that some of the berries may be stored in home freezers and they are warning the public to be on guard.
If you or a loved one has suffered an E. coli O157:H7 infection that you think may have been caused by contaminated strawberries, contact a physician immediately. For answers to legal questions about a possible strawberry E. coli lawsuit, contact an E. coli lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A. Our firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for E. coli victims throughout the country. For a free case consultation, send contact information or call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).
Oregon Strawberry E. coli Outbreak Consumer Information:
None of the following have been implicated in this outbreak:
- Berries other than strawberries;
- Strawberries sold since Aug. 1;
- Strawberries sold in supermarkets;
- Strawberries picked at Jaquith Strawberry Farm's U-pick field;
- Strawberries grown in southwest Washington state.
People sickened include residents of Washington, Clatsop, and Multnomah
counties in Oregon. Of the confirmed cases, seven have been hospitalized, and
one elderly woman in Washington County died from kidney failure associated with
E. coli O157:H7 infection.
