Updated December 26 with final information The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed to Food Poisoning Bulletin that nine Huntley High School E. coli illnesses are part of a multistate outbreak that includes 22 people in 10 states. Three people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication of some E. coli infections that causes kidney failure.
Do You Need an E. coli Lawyer?
On December 21, the McHenry County Department of Health released its final report which states that poor handwashing of an infected food worker was the likely source of the 16 illnesses at Huntley High School. This employee never experienced symptoms but likely ate the contaminated food linked to the multistate outbreak, which was never identified, the report states.
It also states that 15 of the 16 patients ate sandwiches with lettuce on them from the cafeteria station where that employee worked. Leafy greens and ground beef are the most common food sources of E. coli outbreaks, but any food can become contaminated with the bacteria.
Symptoms of an E. coli Infection
Symptoms of an E. coli infection, which usually develop within one to three days of exposure, include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that is sometimes bloody. 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.
Symptoms of HUS usually develop one week after initial E. coli symptoms. HUS can be fatal. Anyone with HUS symptoms should seek immediate emergency care. HUS symptoms include:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Extreme fatigue
- Pale skin
- Decreased urination
- Unexplained bruising
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in legs, feet, or ankles
Experienced E. coli Lawyers
Pritzker Hageman E. coli lawyers have represented clients in every major E. coli outbreak in the U.S. If you would like a free consultation with an experienced E. coli lawyer, please contact the Pritzker Hageman E. coli Legal Team. You can reach us by calling 1-888-377-8900, sending a text to 612-261-0856, or by completing the form below. There is no obligation and you don’t pay us unless we win