The FDA and CDC have increased the number of people affected in the Jimmy Johns sprouts outbreak to 25. The agencies tied the raw sprouts to an E. coli outbreak. The sprouts were also sold at Whole Foods and other retailers, and distributed to unknown entities. There is a six-state outbreak that injured 39 people. There were 27 of them in Utah. Iowa has 3 cases, Illinois has 6 and there is one each in Missouri, Texas, and Florida.
E.Coli Infection
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause minimal issues. However, there are strains that cause significant damage. For example, E. coli O157: H7 causes severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
E.Coli Infection Causes
Raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef are the two many culprits of E. coli. Healthy adults usually have a quick recovery, however, young children and older adults have a greater risk of developing a life-threatening form of kidney failure called a hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Among the many strains of E. coli, only a few trigger diarrhea. One group of E. coli, which includes O157: H7 produces a powerful toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage causes bloody diarrhea. Unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, E. coli can cause an infection even after disgesting minimal traces of the bacteria. So, this could be a mouthful of contaminated pool water.
Jimmy Johns Sprouts Outbreak
The FDA has traced E. coli to an indoor garden in Chicago. The same outbreak strain was tied to various Jimmy John’s restaurants. The government agency points to seeds as the issue. The contaminated sprouts grew and infected the garden. The FDA is still investigating the seed lot.
On March 16, Chicago Indoor Garden recalled all products containing red clover sprouts. The best-by dates of the recalled products ended on March 12, but the CDC again today advised consumers, restaurants, and retailers to not eat, serve or sell recalled products containing sprouts from Chicago Indoor Garden.
The CDC said that symptoms could be from January 6th until March 2nd. However, there could be a four week lag time of symptoms.
E.Coli Symptoms
After exposure, illness can come in one day or a week later. Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea (may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody)
- Abdominal cramping, pain or tenderness
- Nausea and vomiting, in some people
The average age of people involved in this Jimmy Johnson sprouts outbreak is 28 and 53% are female.
E. coli Complications
Most healthy adults recover from E. coli illness within a week. Some people may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called a hemolytic uremic syndrome. The CDC estimates the bacteria causes 2,000 hospitalizations each year. Plus, 10% go on to develop more serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS can cause kidney failure, damage to the central nervous system, and ultimately death.
Help after an E.Coli Infection
When you experience side effects from severe food poisoning, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. A verdict or settlement could also provide compensation for your injuries and damages. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is currently accepting E.Coli infection injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by an outbreak of E.Coli poisoning, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation.