Marler Clark has been retained by a family of a teen who developed complications of E. coli, resulting in HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome).
The McHenry County Health Department (MCDH) and Huntley Community School District 158 are collaborating in an investigation into the recent outbreak of Shiga Toxin- Producing E. coli (STEC) at Huntley High School. MCDH has reported at least nine cases of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) at suburban Huntley High School, officials say.
On Sunday, September 17, the first case of E. coli infection was identified. In a letter released to parents, students and staff, school officials said the situation is being taken seriously and that the safety and well-being of students is of the utmost importance.
Health officials are working to determine “common exposures” among the five individuals who have been diagnosed with the illness, but no definitive source has been identified at this time.
According to the press release, any child who experiences symptoms of E. coli must be kept home until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
E. coli is extremely contagious, with officials saying it can be spread by:
-Swallowing water while swimming, or drinking water contaminated with STEC bacteria
-Person-to-person transmission, where the bacteria passes from stool or soiled fingers of one person to another through food handling or direct contact.
-Animal contact by touching or handling animals carrying the bacteria
Symptoms of E. coli typically begin within 3-4 days of exposure and can take up to 10 days to develop. The symptoms include an acute onset of diarrhea and/or vomiting. Nausea, abdominal cramps, fever and body aches are also typical symptoms, all of which can last for 5-to-10 days.
To prevent and stop the spread of infection, the MCDH recommends washing hands with soap and water when preparing and eating food, having contact with animals or their environment, and after bathroom use or changing a diaper; avoiding swallowing water from ponds, lakes, and untreated swimming pools; and washing and cooking foods properly and avoid unpasteurized (raw) dairy products and juices. Those infected should not handle, prepare, or cook food for others until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.
Post outbreak inspection reports have been made public. There is no additional information about the investigation at this time.
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.