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E. coli Illness and Wrongful Death
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Petting Zoo E. coli

Our attorneys are representing a young E. coli victim whose illness was traced to a llama at a petting zoo. The child developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and suffered kidney failure and other health problems due to the E. coli infection.

Petting Zoo E. coliIf animals at petting zoos have dangerous E. coli strains colonized in their intestines, their feces (poop) may have E. coli bacteria in it. The feces can get on the animal's fur, in the soil surrounding the animal and on a fence. If a child then touches the animal, the soil or the fence where there are even traces of the feces, the E. coli can be transferred to the child's hand and then to the child's mouth.

Because of this risk, in the summer of 2005, North Carolina enacted Aedin’s Law, which requires petting zoos to obtain permits and undergo inspections. The law was promted by the illness of Aedin, a two-year-old child who contracted an E. coli O157:H7 infection after visiting the petting zoo at the North Carolina State Fair and developed HUS.

Sadly, this law did not have stopped a 2011 North Carolina State Fair outbreak that may have sickened 27 people. HUS E. coli LawsuitEleven people have confirmed cases of E. coli, including children, some of whom developed HUS and remain hospitalized. Children under age 5 are at greatest risk of developing HUS. The other 16 cases are suspected, and health officials are awaiting test results.

North Carolina state health officials have determined that the Kelley Building, an animal exhibition building at the state fair, was the source of the outbreak.

For a free consultation regarding an E. coli lawsuit and an independent investigation, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.

Petting Zoo Safety

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the backbone of prevention of E. coli associated with animal contact at petting zoos is thorough handwashing with soap and water after exposure to these entities.

Hand sanitizer or washing facilities need to be available for people visiting the petting zoo. Under Minnesota law, food and drink should not be allowed in the animal contact area.

The food and drink prohibition is critical. Accumulating evidence from recent outbreaks at fairs indicates that E. coli O157:H7 can be aerosolized on dried sawdust bedding, causing widespread contamination of environmental surfaces in an animal barn, and possibly also food and clothing of patrons viewing the animals (even in the absence of direct animal contact).

 

Attorney Fred Pritzker and his litigation team represent E. coli victims nationwide and have won millions for their clients.

Sources: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/10/28/2729486/shelby-2-year-old-battles-ecoli.html and http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/gcdc/ecoli.html

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