FOODBORNE ILLNESSES/E. COLI
The CDC estimates that 76 million food borne illness cases occur in the United States
every year, which means that one in four Americans contracts a food borne illness annually after
eating foods contaminated with such pathogens as E. coli, Salmonella, hepatitis A, and Listeria.
Approximately 325,000 people are hospitalized with illnesses and 5,000 die.
Food borne illness is commonly referred to as food poisoning. While most people have
experienced what they believed to be food poisoning, in the last few years, massive food recalls
and food borne illness outbreaks have made us aware of the risks to our nations food supply.
Even so, few Americans understand the impact a food borne illness could have on themselves or
their families, especially children.
If you suspect that you or a member of your family has a food illness, get to a doctor
immediately. Incubation periods vary by the type of bacteria or virus - be sure to get a stool
culture to identify the cause of the illness. Also, contact your local health department if you
believe you are suffering from a food illness - it could prevent others from becoming sick.
Mulligan and Banham have aggressively pursued and successfully resolved claims for tainted foods/supplements. You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical
expenses and lost wages. Do not hesitate to call for a free consultation if you believe you have suffered food poisoning and have been seriously injured.
This site provides helpful links with practical information about food borne illness outbreaks and their causes. Please take time to read the information it provides, and contact
Mulligan & Banham at 619-238-8700 if you have any questions.
Sources on the Web:
Answers questions such as: How common is E. coli? What sort of germ is E. coli? How is the infection diagnosed?
How does food or water get contaminated with E. coli? What can be done to prevent the infection? What are public
health agencies doing to prevent or control E. coli?
Centers for Disease Control: Frequently Asked Questions about Escherichia coli O157:H7
"The American Academy of Family Physicians"site, with facts about E. coli infection, ranging from symptoms, complications, detection, and treatment.
Family Doctor: E. coli
The E. coli index was started at the University of Birmingham, UK. The site developed over time into a comprehensive resource on E. coli. With a large section on pathogenic E. coli, the site was improved by the addition
of what is now 'Echobase'. Echobase was created to provide information about characterizations of new E. coli genes.
E. coli Index
Provides pictures of E. coli bacteria, and links to other photo sources, fact sheets, lectures, and scientific sites about E. coli O157:H7.
The Virtual Museum of Bacteria: E. coli O157:H7
