St. Louis E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 30, Source Still Unknown
Health officials are still searching for the source of the St. Louis E. coli outbreak that has sickened 30 people.
So far, 55 food samples including ingredients from area salad bars and from victims homes have been tested and none has tested positive for E. coli. There are no other specimens at the state lab believed to be connected to the outbreak on which testing is still pending.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The CDC has set up a case study by contacting individuals in neighborhoods where patients have been identified. The FDA is inspecting facilities of suppliers and distributors to area grocery stores.
Public health officials urge consumers to wash all produce thoroughly with water before eating, cook meat thoroughly, and wash their hands after using the restroom. They also urge anyone experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea or nausea, to seek medical attention.
Anyone with legal question about an illness associaed with this outbreak should contact the foodborne illness experts at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.
