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.
E. coli, HUS and TTP from Restaurant Steak
Our E. coli lawyers are investigating cases of E. coli O157 that may be associated with steak served at restaurants in Ohio, Minnesota and other states. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with E. coli poisoning, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and/or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), we would like to hear from you. We are gathering information for both litigation and food safety purposes. Our clients have given testimony before Congress, been featured in an article in Consumer Reports, and taken other measures to educate government leaders and consumers about the need to improve food safety and prevent tragic illnesses and deaths.
As with most E. coli outbreaks associated with steak products, this outbreak appears to be caused by contaminated brine that was injected into non-intact steak. After brine is injected into a steak, the excess runs off and is used over. If that brine is contaminated, it will cross-contaminate the steaks into which it is injected. Because the brine is injected into the steaks, the E. coli bacteria get into the middle of the steak where it may be hard to kill them.
Under federal law that was created in 1999, non-intact beef that is injected with brine is “adulterated” if it is contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. This means that someone who contracts an E. coli infection from a brine-injected non-intact steak product can sue the manufacturer of that steak product and the restaurant where it was served under strict liability laws. The E. coli victim does not have to prove negligence on anyone’s part to recover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages under strict liability.
Our lawyers represent people sickened by E. coli O157, HUS and TTP throughout the United States. Our clients have suffered kidney failure, neurological disorders and other serious problems associated with the E. coli infection. When families come to us, they are faced with huge medical bills and sometimes a lifetime of medical needs. We help them get the money they need to take care of their loved one.
To contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online form for a free consultation.
Diagnosis of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
To confirm the presence of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), there are several laboratory tests that can be performed. A complete blood count (CBC) positive for HUS could show decreased platelet count, rupture of red blood cells, hemolytic anemia or elevated white blood cell count. A urinalysis may also be performed. Positive results could show blood in the urine or protein in the urine.
Blood chemistry tests such as chem-20 may show abnormalities such as elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), elevated creatinine, and elevated free hemoglobin. Blood coagulation tests such as PT or PTT may be performed as well. PT and PTT measure the amount of time it takes for the blood to clot. Since platelets are destroyed by HUS, the blood would take longer to clot for someone with HUS.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health have an excellent directory of medical information called Medline Plus. It has more information on the specific treatments of HUS.
Pritzker | Ruohonen has a national practice and represents E. coli victims throughout the United States. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the online contact form.
