Marler Clark currently represents three of the victims in this E. coli outbreak.
According to press reports, students and staff at the University of Arkansas have been warned of a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections outbreak in Northwest Arkansas.
"Food Safety Lawyer Bill Marler, who also teaches food law at the U of A, says that cases like this are fairly common, with about 73,000 cases a year in the U.S., “I would expect, unfortunately, that it's most likely a food product that contains a leafy green is the cause of this outbreak", reported Jose Carranza on KFSM news.
An email sent throughout the University of Arkansas states that the Arkansas Department of Health has reported students in the local outbreak.
“We are aware of a few hospitalizations related to the outbreak,” the email states. “…we believe the outbreak started more than a week ago.”
The University states that there are more than 100 people sickened, and at least four hospitalized.
The email states that those experiencing the following severe symptoms should seek “immediate medical attention.”
Update given by local health department on 8.31.23:
No source confirmed
42 people sick
37 probable
5 culture confirmed
According to press reports, the Arkansas Department of Health has shared an update on the recent E. coli outbreak in Northwest Arkansas, stating that it is “past its peak.”
The update says that the outbreak appears to have started two weeks ago and currently appears to be past its peak with no new symptoms reported since August. 25.
The ADH confirmed that 42 people have been identified as part of the outbreak out of more than 3,200 surveyed. Of that number, 37 are probable cases based on reported E. coli symptoms while five cases have been confirmed with positive tests.
ADH revised its case count of those hospitalized, confirming that a total of four people have been hospitalized during the outbreak. Two of those people remain hospitalized while two have been discharged.
Symptoms of E. coli
- Diarrhea and fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, dizziness when standing up
Although the source of the outbreak is unknown to prevent further spread, people in the area should:
- Practice proper hygiene such as handwashing,
- Cook meats thoroughly
- Wash fruits and vegatables well
- Avoiding raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products
- Unpasteurized juices
What to know about E. coli during the University of Arkansas Outbreak
Daniel Breen Interviews Bill Marler about E. coli outbreak on UA Little Rock Public Radio
E. coli: Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of E. coli outbreaks and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The E. coli lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of E. coli and other foodborne illness infections and have recovered over $850 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. Our E. coli lawyers have litigated E. coli and HUS cases stemming from outbreaks traced to ground beef, raw milk, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and other food products. The law firm has brought E. coli lawsuits against such companies as Jack in the Box, Dole, ConAgra, Cargill, and Jimmy John’s. We have proudly represented such victims as Brianne Kiner, Stephanie Smith and Linda Rivera.
If you or a family member became ill with an E. coli infection or HUS after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark E. coli attorneys for a free case evaluation.