Updated August 22 with additional illnesses
Waygu ground beef produced by Lower Valley Processing in Kalispell, MT, and sold directly to restaurants in Flathead County is the source of a deadly E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that includes at least 22 illnesses and one death, according to a KPAX report. “All cases reported eating undercooked or made-to-order burgers made with wagyu beef at one of multiple restaurants in Flathead County,” health officials said in an update. The tainted ground beef, not sold at grocery stores, has been recalled.
The following restaurants are associated with illnesses included in this outbreak:
- Gunsight Saloon
- Hops Downtown Grill
- Tamarack Brewing Company
- The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
- Harbor Grille – the fatality is associated with beef served here.
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Symptoms of an E. coli Infection and HUS
Symptoms of an E. coli infection usually develop within one to three days of exposure. They include abdominal cramps and diarrhea that can be bloody. The last known date someone consumed the contaminated ground beef was July 14, 2024.
About seven percent of E. coli patients develop a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a form of kidney failure that is often fatal.
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 set in about one week after E. coli symptoms and include:
- Pale skin
- Extreme fatigue, lethargy
- 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.
Related
Why is Food Poisoning from Ground Beef Common?
Beef E. coli Outbreaks in the U.S. Since 2007
Experienced E. coli Lawyers
The E. coli Team at Pritzker Hageman has represented clients in every major U.S. E. coli outbreak.
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.