St Louis E. coli Outbreak Sickens 33, Source Still Not Identified
The St. Louis E. coli outbreak has now sickened 33 people, but its source has still not been determined, according to the latest information from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Epidemiological evidence linked the outbreak to Schnucks salad bars, but a specific food item has not been determined. No evidence of E. coli contamination was found at Schuncks stores, so the investigation was widened to include suppliers and distributors to Schnucks. So far, 55 food samples have been tested, but none has tested positive for the E. coli strain responsible for the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are continuing the search for the sourcee.
The E. coli strain at the heart of the outbreak is resistant to antibiotics. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea. Complications of E. coli poisoning include hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or TTP HUS, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which can cause kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, and brain injuries.
Anyone with legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak should contact the E. coli experts at the national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.
