In the News

E. Coli Outbreak

An outbreak of E. coli made 17 people ill and killed one person across the United States between November 15 and December 8, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two of the victims are from Connecticut. Though the source of infection is still unknown, the CDC’s investigation, known as a traceback, suggests leafy greens and romaine lettuce are the culprits.

Five people have been hospitalized, according to Ian Williams, chief of the CDC’s Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch. Two of the hospitalized patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure related to E.Coli. The symptoms of E. Coli illness include stomach pain, diarrhea which is sometimes bloody, and vomiting. Young children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system are most at risk.

Under Connecticut product liability law, the producer, supplier and/or seller of contaminated food which causes illnesses like salmonella or E. coli poisoning are responsible for all injuries and losses that anyone consuming the contaminated food suffers. The lawyers at Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder have extensive experience with foodborne illness outbreaks and are ready to answer any questions you may have.