E. coli Lawyer Update: Michigan Health Officials Announce Mysterious E. Coli Outbreak.
An E. coli outbreak linked to nearly 100 cases was reported by the Michigan Department of Health (MDHHS) on August 16, 2022. The E. coli cases affected by the outbreak were reported in August by three separate counties Kent, Ottawa, and Oakland. An investigation has been started by the MDHHS and the three local health departments to try and find the reason for the increased number of E. coli Cases. In 2021 health officials only received 20 reported cases within the same relevant time period, only a fifth of the number of cases that have been reported in this month of August.
Although the investigation of the outbreak was just recently announced, health department officials have stated that laboratory reports of the related illnesses have shown that some of the cases are related to one another. Since no food source has been named as the potential culprit of the illnesses thus far, Michigan health officials are urging residents to take precautions to make sure their food is safe.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, stated:
“While reports of E. coli illness typically increase during the warmer summer months, this significant jump in cases is alarming… This is a reminder to make sure to follow best practices when it comes to hand hygiene and food handling to prevent these kinds of foodborne illnesses. If you are experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection like cramping and diarrhea or gastrointestinal distress, especially if they are severe, make sure to let your health care provider know.”
Symptoms of E. coli can vary from person to person, but they normally begin to develop within three to ten days from the time of exposure to the contaminated product. A large majority of E. coli cases can range from mild to life-threatening conditions, especially for children and older adults who run the risk of developing a form of kidney failure known as HUS, hemolytic uremic syndrome. Ron Simon, a National E. coli Lawyer, stated:
“The majority of people recover from E. coli infections within a week. While most healthy adults only get mild E. coli infections, some people get severe or even fatal diseases. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, the elderly, and young children are especially vulnerable to more severe complications. In fact, about 5-10% of people infected with STEC develop a potentially fatal kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) about a week after symptoms appear. While most HUS patients recover within a few weeks of treatment, others develop a chronic illness or even die.”
For more information on the mysterious E. coli Outbreak, to speak to a National E. coli Lawyer, or to inquire about an E. coli Lawsuit, call 1-888-335-4901.
