The number of people with E. coli O157:H7 infections associated with Topps beef patties continues to rise. According to the CDC:
Investigators compared the “DNA fingerprints” patterns of E. coli O157 strains found in ground beef with “DNA fingerprints” patterns of E. coli O157 strains isolated from ill persons. As of 12 PM (ET) October 18, 2007, 40 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection have been identified with PFGE patterns that match at least one of the patterns of E. coli strains found in Topp's brand frozen ground beef patties. Ill persons reside in 8 states [Connecticut (2), Florida (1), Indiana (1), Maine (1), New Jersey (9), New York (13), Ohio (1), and Pennsylvania (12)]. Twenty-nine (88%) of 33 patients with a detailed food history consumed ground beef. Seven illnesses have confirmed associations with recalled products because the strain isolated from the person was also isolated from the meat in their home. The first reported illness began on July 5, 2007, and the last began on September 24, 2007. Among thirty-two ill persons for whom hospitalization status is known, twenty (63%) were hospitalized. Two patients developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported. Eighteen (45%) patients are female. The ages of patients range from 1 to 77 years; 48% are between 15 and 24 years old (only 14% of the US population is in this age group).
State and federal health officials continue to investigate reports of illness that may be associated with Topps beef patties or one of the other numerous ground beef outbreaks, including the highly-virulent E. coli outbreak linked to Cargill beef sold at Sam’s Club under the American Chef’s brand.
For legal help, please contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker | Ruohonen. The firm is currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to ground beef and the families of people who died from E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.
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