A 3-year-old Minnesota boy was hospitalized this month with an E. coli O157:H7 infection that preliminary tests have traced to an apple orchard and petting zoo in the greater Twin Cities area.
The young victim developed a life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in U.S. children and it can also cause hemorrhagic colitis, heart problems, strokes, brain damage and central nervous system infection. He spent 11 days in the hospital.
The boy’s family has retained national food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker to represent them. Pritzker also represents victims of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at the National Western Stock Show in Denver and is a leading expert and practitioner of litigation involving foodborne illness and E. coli O157:H7.
Preliminary tests found E. coli O157:H7 in Llama feces at the petting zoo. The sample matched the genetic fingerprint of E. coli in the boy. At least one other recent visitor to the petting zoo and apple orchard may have contracted the disease, but those reports are unconfirmed.
If you or a loved one has become sick after visiting a Minnesota petting zoo, contact a physician immediately. To protect your legal rights, call Pritzker Olsen for a free case consultation by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). If you prefer to contact the firm online, complete our contact and information form.
The Minnesota Department of Health in the past has reminded people of microbiological dangers at petting zoos and animal fairs. All animals can carry germs and pass infections to people. Animals of particular concern regarding transmission of intestinal disease are calves, lambs, goat kids, chicks, ducklings, reptiles and amphibians. Any ill animal also is a threat. Groups at high risk for infection include children under five, adults older than 60, pregnant women, cancer patients and others with immune systems that are weakened or not fully developed.
E. coli O157:H7 is one of the most common and most dangerous kinds of intestinal disease agents associated with animal contact at petting zoos. Pritzker said it is a well-known and preventable danger. In 2005, the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians issued a document entitled “Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Setting.” It was endorsed by a number of organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The document was updated in 2009 and includes facility design standards to minimize infection risks — including recommendations on adequate hand-washing stations.
“Des the frequency and severity of these kinds of cases, it does not appear the operator of this facility took the necessary precautions to prevent this child’s severe injuries,” Pritzker said. “This is all the more tragic because the place catered to children and kids are particularly vulnerable to E .coli O157:H7 and the horrible syndrome that frequently develops from it, HUS.”
In petting zoo outbreaks, the primary mode of transmission is from feces of an animal to the mouth of the person by unconscious hand-to-mouth contact. Because animal fur, skin, and saliva can become contaminated with fecal germs, people can become infected when they pet, touch, or are licked by animals. Persons can also be exposed through contact with an animal’s living area, its bedding, fence rails or objects such as food and water dishes. Small children who touch animals or their space are particularly vulnerable because they often put their hands in their mouth.
In general, the golden rule of prevention at petting zoos and animal fairs is to wash hands often and thoroughly with soap and water after contact with any animal, animal product or living area. Other tips include:
- Supervise children under five when they are with animals.
- Don’t drink, eat, smoke or allow children to carry toys or use pacifiers, sippy cups or baby bottles.
- Don’t clean animal cages, food dishes, or water dishes in food preparation areas.
- People in high risk groups should avoid contact with the animals.
