The E. coli attorneys at Marler Clark were retained by parents of a minor in this waterpark E. coli outbreak.
The child represented by Marler Clark visited the Jellystone Park in Pelahatchie, Mississippi from July 29, 2021 to August 1, 2021. During the trip to this park, the child swam in the pool and the splash pad. Several days later the child developed a fever, which lasted for two days, and then developed diarrhea. After the parents noticed bloody stool, they immediately sought medical care where tests revealed a positive diagnosis of E. coli O157.
As of August 9, 2021, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has identified several cases of E. coli O157 infection associated with use of the swimming pool and/or splashpad at the Jellystone Park Camp Resort in Pelahatchie, Mississippi.
The cases identified so far have exposure dates occurring on the weekend of July 30th through August 1st, but additional exposures may have occurred through August 9, 2021. The pool and splashpad were closed on August 9, 2021.
The MSDH is conducting an ongoing investigation to identify any additional cases. The management of the Jellystone Park Camp Resort are cooperating with the investigation and response.
E. coli O157 infection can be a serious illness, especially in very young children and the elderly, and is associated with severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting and fever. Some individuals develop a severe and potentially life-threatening condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS occurs about a week after symptoms first appear, as they are improving. It can lead to kidney failure in some cases. Early symptoms of HUS can be associated with decreased urination and fatigue.
Symptoms of E. coli infection usually develop three to four days after exposure, with a range between one and 10 days. Outbreaks with recreational waters such as pools and splashpads can occur when waters become contaminated by an infected person through diarrhea or fecal contamination, and other swimmers then swallow the water, becoming exposed and infected. Person to person transmission can also occur.
Individuals who were swimming in the pool or splashpad at Yogi on the Lake in Pelahatchie between July 30 and August 9 should monitor for symptoms of stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you do have symptoms and tell your provider about your exposure.