Coli Outbreaks in Oregon

Oregon is one of several states throughout the country to be affected by an outbreak of E. coli, a type of bacteria found in in the intestines of humans and animals. There are a variety of different types of E. coli, and while some are harmless, others can result in dangerous and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

While the most recent cases to occur involve a specific brand of soy nut butters and other products, similar types of outbreaks over the past several years have had serious effects. Children in particular may suffer severe effects as the result of an E. coli infection, leading to large medical expenses and the need for ongoing treatment. As an unfortunately common type of personal injury, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and side effects, and how a personal injury attorney can help

E. Coli SoyNut Outbreaks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, effective March 2017, the SoyNut Butter Company has recalled all varieties of its I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butters and Granolas, as well as several of their other products due to ingredients contaminated with E. coli. Commonly transferred to food via unsanitary handling and preparation practices, certain strains can result in intestinal illness, as well as respiratory infections and pneumonia.

The CDC reports that children often suffer serious reactions as the result of E. coli, with symptoms that occur anywhere between two and eight days after eating contaminated food. These include intestinal cramping and bloody diarrhea. Parents should seek care for children immediately, as more severe cases of E. coli infection can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a form of kidney failure that produces the following symptoms:

• Fever;
• Weakness and a pale appearance;
• Unexplained bruising;
• Bleeding from the nose or mouth.

The CDC states that while dozens of people have been sickened by E. coli, there are 12 confirmed cases that required hospitalization, all but one of which involved children. A March 2017 Oregon Live report cites seven separate cases of E. coli infection among children in one NW Portland school alone.

Additional E. Coli Outbreaks

The CDC reports that additional E. coli outbreaks that have occurred in Oregon and throughout the U.S. over the past several years include:  

• Contaminated beef, veal, and bison products recalled in 2016, which may still be in some people’s freezers;
• General Mills flour, which was also recalled in 2016, after affecting nearly 70 people from 24 different states;
• Two separate outbreaks of E. coli at Chipotle in 2015, which impacted more than 50 people, half of whom required hospitalization.

Our Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Today

If you or your child has been affected by E. coli, contact the Johnston Law Firm today. We would be happy to schedule a consultation for you with our Portland personal injury attorney, who will review the details of your case. You will want to try and identify the product that caused the infection, as well as the repercussions the illness had on you or your child’s health. Let us help you throughout each step of your case.