A deadly outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections is under investigation in Montana.
At least 13 people have become ill and one has died, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department. The last known date the ground beef involved in the outbreak was consumed was July 14.
Officials investigating the outbreak determined that the ground beef identified as a potential source of the outbreak was sold directly to several restaurants by a distributor. The product was not available for consumer purchase in supermarkets. Public health personnel worked directly with all affected facilities to remove any remaining product.
The health department did not report which restaurants received the affected ground beef.
“We extend our condolences to all the family and friends affected by this death,” said Jennifer Rankosky, health officer for the Flathead City-County Health Department. “Our staff continues to work diligently during this investigation and was able to identify a suspected source early to reduce risk and prevent others from becoming ill.”
Most patients in the outbreak experience severe symptoms.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and other local health departments are assisting in the outbreak investigation.
Bill Marler, a food safety attorney in Seattle who represented victims and their families during the 1993 E. coli outbreak traced to undercooked hamburgers sold by Jack in the Box restaurants, said: “It’s sad to see that there is an E. coli outbreak at all, but sadder to see one linked to ground beef. E. coli ground beef outbreaks have been rare in recent decades due to the work of USDA and industry to clean up the meat supply.”
About E.coli infections
Anyone who has developed symptoms of an E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are needed to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other diseases.
The symptoms of E. coli infections vary from person to person, but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others may develop serious or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening complication of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, minor unexplained bruising or bleeding, and paleness.
Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injury or death. This condition can occur in people of any age, but is most common in children under five years of age due to their immature immune systems, in older adults due to a deteriorating immune system, and in people with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients.
People who experience HUS symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately. People with HUS are likely to be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and persistent problems, such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurological problems.