Jaquith Strawberry Farm E. coli Outbreak in Oregon – Lawyers Investigating
Our E. coli lawyers are investigating an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Oregon associated with eating strawberries from Jaquith Strawberry Farm located in Newberg, Oregon. Jaquith sold its strawberries to buyers who then resold them at roadside stands and farmers’ markets in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill and Clatsop counties.
Ten people have confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infections caused by a single strain. The E. coli victims include residents of Washington, Clatsop, and Multnomah counties. Six other people in northwest Oregon also have recently developed an E. coli O157:H7 infection and appear to be part of this outbreak.
Of the confirmed cases, four have been hospitalized. Two of those hospitalized had E. coli kidney failure, and one of them, a woman from Washington County, died. Approximately 5 percent of people infected with E. coli O157:H7, especially young children and the elderly, develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and/or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and suffer serious and potentially fatal E. coli kidney damage and failure.
Jaquith has recalled its products. While investigating the farm, William Keene, senior epidemiologist with Oregon Public Health, saw dear roaming through the strawberry field. Keene is having deer feces tested for E. coli to determine if deer are the source of the E. coli contamination, Keene told the Oregonian.
