Foodborne Illnesses / E. coli /

E. coli Outbreak In Minnesota Linked to Raw Milk from Hartmann Farm Dairy

An outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in Minnesota has been traced back to raw milk produced and sold by the Hartmann Farm Dairy in Gibbon. At least 8 people have been infected with the extremely dangerous E. coli O157:H7, which can cause serious illness. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) identified the DNA "Fingerprint", which is unique to this particular outbreak, and present in all of the victims. Field investigators collected environmental samples from the farm, and testing of the samples yielded E. coli with a matching DNA “fingerprint” to the strain identified in the outbreak. The MDH has said that the E. coli strain identified has never been seen in Minnesota outside of the Dairy and the victims.

No information is yet available on the status of the victims, or if any have developed the potentially life-threatening complication of E. coli infection, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

E. coli has an incubation period, so that it may take several days from the time it is consumed until E. coli symptoms appear. The average incubation time is 2-5 days, but can be as short as 1 day or as long as 10 days. Anyone who has been to the Hartmann Dairy Farm, consumed their products, or been around another ill person are strongly advised to visit their health care practitioner for a stool test. There is no "cure" for E. coli, but early detection and dedicated medical attention can make a difference. E. coli is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and the immune-compromised.

Raw milk is a very controversial product, as it is not pasteurized, a process that kills illness-causing bacteria. For more information on raw milk, visit RealRawMilkFacts.com

Marler Clark has been assisting E. coli victims for more than 17 years. The firm's E. coli attorneys understand the complex medical needs of people sickened by E. coli, and can help recover medical and personal expenses. The firm is also able to direct the family to experts in the field who can evaluate thier case and the care they are getting. Contact us free of charge to learn more.