Food Poisoning Outbreaks at Midst the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Food Poisoning Outbreaks at Midst the COVID-19 Pandemic.

With the number of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic increasing by the day, the daily news and media outlets are being flooded with new COVID information daily – to the exclusion of nearly all other news. Due to the blanket news coverage of the COVID pandemic, information on any other outbreak, such as food borne outbreaks, has become sidelined. Although there is important news about food poisoning illness nearly every day, these stories are being overshadowed by the news on COVID-19. Then, to top things off, many who are legitimately n need of medical care, albeit not from COVID, are frightened about approaching a medical establishment (especially a  hospital) for fear of contracting COVID-19.

Due to this “perfect storm,” people affected by recent E. coli and listeria food poisoning outbreaks, or other foodborne illness, are either unaware or, if they suspect something, are discouraged from  seeking proper medical attention.

Important Outbreaks the Public May Not be Aware of:

In the past few months very serious food poisoning related outbreaks have been reported by health department officials. One of the most recently reported outbreaks was a

linked to

which affected 36 people in 17 states. Although the number of those affected in the listeria outbreak could not even be considered a small fraction of those suffering from COVID-19, it is important to note that

infections can be very serious as well 30 of those affected by the outbreak required hospitalization and two of the cases reported miscarriage’s due to the infection. If not treated properly listeriosis infections can spread to the nervous and be life-threatening. Sadly, many of those who become affected by a listeriosis infection are unable to receive the proper medical attention necessary or are unaware of what they are suffering from until the infection has spread. Consumers who have consumed enoki mushrooms and have experienced symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea should contact a medical health care provider and inform them of the potential listeria exposure to receive proper treatment.

Another outbreak, this time from E. coli, has also been largely ignored – though understandably so, this may have left many families with unaddressed illnesses that can be serious. In February the popular sandwich franchise Jimmy John received a warning letter from the

(FDA) regarding five different food poisoning related outbreaks linked to adulterated produce used by the restaurants. On February 26, 2020, the FDA announced another separate

linked to Clover Sprouts served at Jimmy John’s restaurants. In the latest FDA report on the E. coli outbreak linked to sprouts, it was announced that a total of 39 people have been affected in 6 states.

by itself may not be as life-threatening as COVID-19 and due to that people affected can at times go under the radar and be sent home with little to no medical treatment. It is important for people who experience symptoms of E. coli O103 such as mild fever, nausea and vomiting, very painful and severe stomach and abdominal cramps, and diarrhea after eating sprouts to contact a medical health care provider and request a stool culture, as it is a test necessary to diagnose a person with E. coli.

Food poisoning related outbreaks may not be a hot topic in the news at the moment but they are still happening all over the United States. Consumers should always stay vigilant of food recalls happening, as well as practice caution when ordering out since food poisoning is an unseen risk that can affect anyone.

, a food poisoning law firm, offers information for those wishing to inquire about food poisoning related lawsuits and in need legal representation.

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