E. coli Lawyer Update: Second E. coli Outbreak Announced by the FDA linked to 23 Reported Cases.

A second mysterious multi-state E. coli O157: H7 outbreak has begun to surface leaving both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) trying to find the source of the contamination. On October 28, 2020, the FDA announced a second E. coli outbreak which had already affected a total of 23 people in 12 states. Thankfully this second E. coli outbreak has not to been linked to any deaths thus far but the number of people requiring hospitalization is 10, almost half of the total number of cases reported from the outbreak.

The FDA has stated that they are working along with local and state officials to investigate the point of exposure. Out of the 23 cases linked to the outbreak information is available on 15 of them, 2 of which reported developing kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). According to the CDC, the most recent case was reported on October 8, 2020, but many illnesses might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

This second E. coli outbreak seems to share the same genetic strain as the E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce in 2019. Although no specific product has been named at this time at least 13 of the people interviewed have reported eating leafy greens, like iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, mixed bag lettuce, and spinach. The CDC stated that due to the lack of evidence they are not advising people to avoid any particular food, but they will provide more information as it becomes available.

Individuals who exhibit symptoms of E. coli should consider contacting a medical health care provider as soon as possible. Due to the incubation period of E. coli people maybe begin to display symptoms as late as 2 weeks after eating the contaminated food. Ron Simon, a national E. coli Lawyer, stated: 

“STEC infections are usually diagnosed through lab testing of stool specimens (feces). Identifying the specific strain of STEC involved is very important for public health purposes, and is critical in detecting outbreaks. Most labs can determine if an STEC is present and can identify E. coli O157.”

To speak to an E. coli Lawyer, or to inquire about an E. coli Lawsuit, call 1-888-335-4901.