Tennesse E. coli Probe Follows Tragedy
The E. coli death of a 2-year-old Dryden, Virginia, girl and the hospitalization of her brother are being investigated along with at least six other cases from northeast Tennessee as an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7.
Dr. David Kirschke, medical director of the Northeast Regional Health Office in Johnson City, has told reporters that the cases were discovered in the seven-county area in recent weeks: Greene, Carter, Johnson, Hawkins, Hancock, Washington and Unicoi Counties. No cause has been determined.
Kirschke told the Knoxville News Sentinel newspaper that health officials have been interviewing families stricken by the pathogen about their recent food histories and other possible exposures. He told the newspaper that seven of the eight case patients are infected by the same strain of E. coli. He also said several of the patients ate meat that was not thoroughly cooked.
E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., have launched their own investigation into the outbreak and are accepting cases from families whose loved ones have fallen ill. If the outbreak is linked to contaminated ground beef or other meat, consumers can hold manufacturers responsible and seek compensation for medical expenses, lost hours at work, future work restrictions, pain and suffering and other harms. Our firm also has handled E. coli wrongful death litigation to hold sellers of contaminated food accountable for lethal bacteria in meat and other products.
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 victims of food poisoning all over the U.S. Free legal consultations are available for calling Pritzker Olsen directly at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by sending in our contact form.
E. coli HUS
In 5 to 15 percent of Shiga toxin E. coli infections, including E. coli O157:H7, case patients develop a life-threatening complication known as HUS E. coli, or hemolytic uremic syndrome. The disease attacks a person's red blood cells, causing kidney failure, coma, strokes, anemia, heart problems and central nervous system disorders. Even people who suffer mild HUS cases can expect a lifetime of medical expenses for treatments that will be continuing for the rest of their lives.
