Extra kids with E. coli after collaborating within the Georgia Nationwide Truthful

Over the past three decades we have represented dozen of victims of E. coli O157: H7 outbreaks at fairs and petting zoos. See www.fair-safety.com

Here is a presentation I did 16 years and a day ago:

According to press reports, the Georgia Department of Health has now confirmed a total of five E. coli cases in children who participated in the Georgia National Fair. That is one more case than was reported on Thursday.

Spokesman Michael Hokanson said three of the five were hospitalized. He said the numbers could rise once they get lab results and reports from doctors. Two families have spoken out.

Ginny Crouse is the mother of two of the four children who tested positive.

“On Friday she danced on the floor. On Saturday she didn’t even walk. It was a dramatic turn, ”said Crouse when describing her daughter’s condition. “Zoey is 1 and Campbell is 3. Fortunately, Campbell wasn’t one of the 15% who developed HUS.”

Stacey Wooddell says her daughter Skyler was the third child to test positive.

“She had dialysis 3-4 times, multiple blood transfusions, platelet transfusions. We’ll turn the corner now, where she’s better, ”said Wooddell.

Anyone who has attended the fair can help by completing the following survey:

Epidemiologists ask anyone who attended the Georgia National Fair between Thursday, October 7th and Sunday, October 17th, to complete the survey, even if they are not sick. All information provided to the public health will be kept confidential in accordance with HIPAA practices. The information is used to study and determine what might have caused illness by comparing activities between those who got sick and those who weren’t. A map of the Fairgounds is included below to aid in completing the survey.

What is STEC?

E. coli is a large family of bacteria; Most E.coli strains are harmless, but some can cause disease. STEC, Shiga Toxin Producing E. coli, cause disease by producing toxins. The most commonly identified STEC in North America is E. coli O157: H7.

How is STEC transmitted?

STEC most commonly infects a person when the person ingests contaminated material. The contamination is usually caused by tiny particles of human or animal excrement. Exposures that lead to disease include consuming contaminated food, drinking unpasteurized milk, drinking water that has not been disinfected, contact with live animals, or contact with the feces of infected people. Examples of sources of infection are petting zoos and animal exhibitions, swallowing lake water while swimming, or eating food prepared by people who have not washed their hands thoroughly after using the toilet. Almost everyone has some risk of contagion.

What are STEC symptoms?

STEC can cause different symptoms in each person, but common symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and a mild fever. Symptoms of STEC usually appear between three and four days, but incubation can take up to 10 days before symptoms appear. Most people recover within a week. Some infections are mild; others can be serious or life-threatening. Very young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses are at greater risk of serious consequences.

How can I treat STEC?

There is no specific treatment for STEC. Supportive therapy, especially hydration, is important. Antibiotics shouldn’t be used to treat infections.

What can I do to prevent STEC transmission?

You can reduce your risk of STEC prevention by following these practices:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, changing diapers, coming into contact with animals, and before preparing or eating food.
• Cook meat thoroughly.
• Avoid raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products or juices.
• Do not swallow water from lakes, rivers, ponds, or swimming pools.
• Prevent contamination during food preparation by keeping raw meat away from other ingredients. After handling raw meat, use various cutting boards and utensils.
• If you are sick:
  • Stay away from work, school, or physical activity.
  • Do not handle or prepare food for anyone other than yourself.
  • After symptoms go away, wait at least 48 hours before returning to your regular schedule.
  • If symptoms do not go away or if they get worse, contact your doctor.
• If you are caring for a sick person:
  • practice proper hand hygiene.
  • Treat and dispose of the sick person’s waste properly.
  • Wash dirty clothes or bedding that may be contaminated.
  • disinfect contaminated surfaces.

Further information on STEC can be found on the following CDC websites:

Use the exhibition site map included here to fill out the survey.

E. coli: Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the country’s leading law firm representing victims of E. coli outbreaks and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Marler Clark’s E. coli attorneys have represented thousands of victims of E. coli and other foodborne infections and recovered over $ 800 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the country that focuses solely on litigation for foodborne illnesses. Our E. coli attorneys have led E. coli and HUS cases resulting from outbreaks related to ground beef, raw milk, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and other foods. The law firm has filed E. coli lawsuits against companies like Jack in the Box, Dole, ConAgra, Cargill, and Jimmy John’s. We are proud to represent victims like Brianne Kiner, Stephanie Smith and Linda Rivera.

If you or a family member has developed E. coli infection or HUS after eating food and want to file a legal claim, contact Marler Clark E. coli attorneys for a free case assessment.

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