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45 E. coli Cases in Michigan and Ohio May Be Associated with Ground Beef

By Pritzker | Ruohonen

Health officials in Michigan and Ohio are investigating 45 cases of E. coli O157:H7, some of which have matching genetic fingerprints, which means the cases were most likely caused by the same source. 

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is investigating 16 cases of E. coli O157:H7. So far, genetic fingerprinting has linked 10 of the 16 cases. The Ohio counties reporting cases at this time include the following:

• Delaware (one confirmed
• Fairfield (three confirmed; one probable
• Lucas (one confirmed
• Seneca (one confirmed)

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is investigating 29 cases of E. coli O157:H7. Some of these Michigan E. coli cases have the same genetic fingerprint as the 10 Ohio cases.

According to MDCH, the source of this E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is most likely ground beef:

Although the investigation is ongoing, early laboratory results, including DNA analysis of the bacteria, indicate that several of the illnesses may be linked, suggesting a common food source. Preliminary information collected from patients indicates ground beef is most likely the source.

According to some internet sources, the E. coli cases in Michigan and Ohio may have a connection to the recent recall of ground beef by Dutch’s Meat.

When the source of an E. coli outbreak is ground beef, one thing is certain: feces (usually cow manure) got into the meat. Ground beef contaminated with E. coli is considered adulterated. If adulterated food causes injury, the injured person can sue responsible parties for compensation.

Our lawyers represent victims of E. coli outbreaks throughout the United States and have been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, a number of TV stations and others. If you would like to talk to one of our experienced lawyers about your case, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free). If you call after business hours, leave a message for our on-call attorney, and he will contact you as soon as possible, usually within a few hours. Alternatively, you can email our lawyers or submit our free case consultation form.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on June 20, 2008 (boomark / email).