--- title: 14 sickened by E. coli in Montana due to Wagu Beef date: 2024-08-07T19:22:54-07:00 author: Bill Marler canonical_url: "https://marlerclark.com/news_events/14-sickened-by-e-coli-in-montana-due-to-wagu-beef" section: News --- [All News](/news_events) / # 14 sickened by E. coli in Montana due to Wagu Beef The Flathead City-County Health Department (FCCHD), the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), and other local health departments, are working together to investigate an E.coli O157:H7 outbreak originating in Flathead County. To date, the investigation has identified at least 14 individuals associated with the outbreak. Many of the cases experienced moderate to severe symptoms, and one death has occurred. Preliminary investigative findings indicate that ground beef containing the E.coli bacteria may be the exposure of concern. State partners continue to test clinical and food samples for laboratory confirmation.mp The FCCHD and DPHHS investigation has determined that the ground beef identified as the potential source of the outbreak was sold directly to several restaurants from a distributor. The product was not available for purchase by consumers in grocery store settings. Public health staff worked directly with all affected facilities to remove any remaining product. The last known date of consumption of the product was July 14th, 2024. “We send our condolences to all family and friends that have been affected by this death,” said Jennifer Rankosky, Health Officer of the Flathead City-County Health Department. “Our staff continue to work diligently through this investigation and were able to identify a suspect source early to mitigate risks and prevent others from getting sick.” E. coli O157 infections can be caused by a person eating a product that is contaminated with this strain of bacteria. Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and chills. In severe cases, the infection can also damage organs. Symptoms of E. coli infection occur between one and ten days after exposure, with an average of three to four days after exposure. Individuals that may be experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider. E. coli infections can be prevented by taking the following precautions: • Cook ground beef and pork to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F. Do not eat rare or undercooked ground beef. • Always carefully wash hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and changing diapers, and before handling or eating any food. • Always wash hands after contact with farm animals, animal feces, and animal environments. • Wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating. • Keep raw meat separate from produce and other foods when shopping for and storing groceries. • Avoid unpasteurized beverages. FCCHD encourages individuals to take precautionary measures to prevent foodborne illness. For more information about E. coli and illness prevention tips, visit . **E. coli:** [Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm](http://www.marlerclark.com/), is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of [E. coli](https://about-ecoli.com/)outbreaks and [hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)](http://www.about-hus.com/). The [E. coli lawyers of Marler Clark](http://www.marlerclark.com/practice_areas/view/e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-litigation) have represented thousands of victims of [E. coli](https://about-ecoli.com/) 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](https://about-ecoli.com/) lawyers have litigated [E. coli](https://about-ecoli.com/) 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](https://about-ecoli.com/) 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](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/jack-in-the-box-e-coli-outbreak-western-states), [Stephanie Smith](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/cargill-e-coli-outbreak-minnesota) and [Linda Rivera](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/multi-state-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-linked-to-uncooked-nestle-toll-house-coo). If you or a family member became ill with an [E. coli](http://www.about-ecoli.com/) infection or HUS after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark [E. coli](http://www.about-ecoli.com/) attorneys for a free case evaluation. **Additional Resources:** - [About E. coli – a complete online resource with information on symptoms and risks of E. coli infection](http://www.about-ecoli.com/) - [About hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) – a complete online resource with information about acute kidney failure](http://www.about-hus.com/) - [Marler Clark E. coli Lawsuits and Litigation](https://marlerclark.com/food-litigation/e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-litigation) - [A downloadable Family Health Guide](https://marlerclark.com/pdfs/ecoliBrochure.pdf) ### Other E. coli Lawsuits [Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Graziers Raw Milk Cheese E. coli Outbreak Lawsuits](https://marlerclark.com/sierra-nevada-cheese-company-graziers-raw-milk-cheese-e-coli-outbreak-lawsuits) 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The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ Get a free consultation ](https://marlerclark.com/contact) ##### Related Resources ###### [E. coli Food Poisoning](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/e-coli/e-coli-food-poisoning) What is E. coli and how does it cause food poisoning? Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a highly studied, common species of bacteria that belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae, so... ###### [E. coli O157:H7](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/e-coli/e-coli-o157h7) E. coli O157:H7 is a foodborne pathogen that causes food poisoning. E. coli O157:H7 is the most commonly identified and the most notorious Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) serotype in... ###### [Non-O157 STEC](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/e-coli/non-o157-stec) Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli can also cause food poisoning. 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