An E. coli outbreak has sickened 19 students and parents at Rockwood Summit High School in St. Louis, MO. The illnesses are associated with an off-campus event. Health officials are working to identify the food source of the outbreak.
The Rockwood School District notified the families who attended the event about symptoms to watch for.
Symptoms of an E. coli Infection
Symptoms of an E. coli infection, which usually develop within one to three days of exposure, include abdominal cramps and diarrhea that can be bloody.
Some people with E. coli infections develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication that causes kidney failure. Young children and teens with E. coli infections are at elevated risk of developing HUS.
Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications and antibiotics should not be given to patients with E. coli infections as they can increase the chance of developing HUS.
HUS symptoms usually develop one week after E. coli symptoms and include:
- Pale skin
- Extreme fatigue
- Skin that easily bruises
- Decreased urine output
- Bloody diarrhea
Anyone with these symptoms should seek immediate medical care as HUS can be fatal. Treatment for HUS includes blood transfusions, dialysis, plasma exchange, and kidney transplants.
Do You Need an E. coli Lawyer?
Experienced E. coli Lawyers
The E. coli Team at Pritzker Hageman has represented clients in every major U.S. E. coli outbreak.
In one recent case, our team of E. coli lawyers, obtained one of the largest E. coli verdicts in U.S. history on behalf of a young girl who contracted an E. coli-HUS infection from animal contact at a pumpkin patch. As a result of her E. coli-HUS infection, our client suffered a life-threatening illness that caused severe kidney damage.
If you or your family member developed an E. coli infection from contaminated food and you would like a free consultation with an experienced E. coli lawyer, please contact us by calling 1-888-377-8900, sending a text to 612-261-0856, or by completing the form below. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.
