Are you part of an E. coli outbreak?
Our law firm gets hundreds of calls from people who suspect they have been sickened in an E. coli outbreak. We welcome those calls, and encourage people to contact us: 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.
The following is information we share with those who call:
1) The only practical way to diagnose E. coli O157:H7 is by stool sample. Without a stool sample confirming the presence of E. coli O157:H7, it is difficult to prove you are part of this outbreak. Therefore, if you believe you have symptoms related to E. coli O157:H7, you need to receive medical attention and get a stool test.
2) You need to get a stool test as soon as possible after your symptoms commence. If you wait too long, the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria may be shed from your body and the test will be negative even though you had an E. coli O157:H7 infection. Also, if you are prescribed antibiotics, the medication may kill off the E. coli O157:H7. In which case, your test will be negative.
3) This is important: Non-specific supportive therapy, including hydration, is important. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection. There is no evidence that treatment with antibiotics is helpful, and taking antibiotics may increase the risk of HUS. Antidiarrheal agents like Imodium® may also increase that risk. Thus, if you receive antibiotics, it may cause you harm and make it impossible to detect the E. coli O157:H7.
4) If you have left over food that you suspect made you sick, do not throw it out or return it for a refund. Lab testing of the product may confirm the presence of E. coli O157:H7. Thus, if your stool is not tested or if the test is negative, it still may be possible to link your symptoms to the outbreak if the product tests positive for E. coli O157:H7. Therefore, seal the unused food in a plastic bag, mark the bag so it is not used or consumed accidentally, and continue to store it in your refrigerator until it is tested.
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Tags: E. coli Outbreak, Lawsuit, Lawyer, Minnesota E coli Lawyer
