Outbreak Summary
An outbreak of serious E. coli illnesses in Washington state has been tied to PCC Community Market organic grass-fed yogurt produced by Pure Eire Dairy. The contaminated products have been recalled.
The outbreak includes 11 confirmed cases in four different counties. Most of the cases (8) are in King county. Six of the victims are children under 10 years old. A sick child in Arizona who had been exposed to someone who recently visited Washington has also tested positive for the same strain of E. coli, and officials there are working to confirm the link.
Three of the sickened people have been hospitalized, and at least one developed the life-threatening condition called HUS.
OFT’s E. Coli lawyers are actively investigating this outbreak, and this page will update as we uncover more information. If you or a loved believe you were sickened in this outbreak, please call or contact us using the form on the page for a free consultation.
More Details
An E. coli infection can cause a range of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe illness requiring hospitalization. The most common symptoms of E. coli food poisoning include:
Like many foodborne illnesses, E. coli has an incubation period, meaning symptoms do not appear immediately after exposure. Most people begin experiencing symptoms between 1 and 10 days after consuming contaminated food or beverages, with symptoms typically developing within 3 to 4 days.
Many E. coli infections initially cause an upset stomach and non-bloody diarrhea before progressing to more severe gastrointestinal symptoms. As the infection worsens, diarrhea may become bloody, and abdominal pain can become intense.
While many individuals recover from E. coli food poisoning within a week, some infections can lead to serious complications, including potentially life-threatening ones. One of the most dangerous complications is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which develops in approximately 5% to 10% of E. coli cases.
HUS often develops about one week after E. coli symptoms begin, frequently at a time when diarrhea appears to be improving. The condition can damage the kidneys, cause anemia, and lead to serious health complications that require immediate medical attention.
Signs that an E. coli infection may be progressing to HUS include:
If you or a loved one develops any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes.
Many people diagnosed with HUS recover with proper medical treatment. However, severe cases can result in permanent kidney damage, neurological complications, high blood pressure, or other long-term health issues. In rare cases, HUS can be fatal.
If you believe you became ill after consuming food contaminated with E. coli, you may have legal options. OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers offers free consultations for individuals and families affected by foodborne illness outbreaks.
Our food safety attorneys have helped thousands of clients pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by preventable food contamination. Call (866) 395-8498 today to learn how we may be able to help with your E. coli food poisoning claim.