Symptoms

E. COLI-RELATED HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME LAWSUITS: Pritzker | Ruohonen, one of the leading E. coli litigation law firms in the United States, is currently representing E. coli victims and their families in cases involving restaurants, ground beef, lettuce and spinach. In two of our current cases, the firm is representing the families of women who died from E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). To contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker | Ruohonen, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

Phases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Symptoms
Phases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) are similar to those for E. coli, which is often the underlying foodborne illness that has caused the HUS.

Phase one involves gastrointestinal illness with any of the following:

Bloody diarrhea
Painful cramps
Fever
Irritability
Lethargy

Phase two involves severe complications including:

Low or no urine output
Pale skin and easy bruising
Skin rash (fine red spots)
Jaundice (yellowing skin)
Decreased consciousness and seizures

Indicators of Second-Phase Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Even after a case of gastrointestinal illness has passed, bacteria can remain in the digestive system and make toxins that enter the bloodstream. If these toxins destroy a significant number of red blood cells, the later stages of hemolytic uremic syndrome may begin to manifest in more severe symptoms. Because the bacterial toxins also destroy the bloods platelets, the blood may not clot properly. As a result, small, unexplained bruises or small clot-sized hemorrhages visible in the lining of the mouth may occur.

An impaired supply of blood may also show itself with what appears to be a skin rash of tiny red dots. The skin may also appear pale or yellow as a result of damage to red blood cells. Additionally, blood supply impaired by bacterial toxins may cause neurological symptoms, including a reduced awareness or ability to remain conscious, and, though very rare, seizures.

Because the small arteries of the kidneys are particularly susceptible to damage from the bacterial toxins that cause Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, kidney damage is a possible effect of the syndrome. If the kidneys are sufficiently damaged, the body's ability to excrete waste in the form of urine may be severely impaired. Symptoms of the beginning of kidney damage may include an unnaturally small--or nonexistent--urine output.

Symptoms of E. coli Infection
Because HUS most often begins with an E. coli infection, it is important to know the symptoms of E. coli food poisoning. If you or a family member has symptoms of E. coli infection, you should remain vigilant for the later signs of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome described above.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 can range from mild diarrhea to severe abdominal cramps and bloody stools but you may display no symptoms at all. Indeed, E. coli is a leading cause of bloody diarrhea. These symptoms are more severe in children, the elderly, and in those who have another illness. Infection is more common during the summer, and in the northern U.S. Symptoms start approximately seven days after infection. The first sign is sudden severe abdominal cramping. Watery diarrhea starts a few hours thereafter. Diarrhea causes your body to lose fluids, resulting in dehydration, which can make you feel nauseated and weak. The watery diarrhea lasts for about a day.

The diarrhea will change to bright red, bloody stools because the infection creates sores in your intestines. Bloody diarrhea lasts for two to five days and you might have ten or more bowel movements a day. Your stools may appear to be more blood than stool.

You may have a mild fever. You may also have nausea or vomiting. Consult your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: watery, bloody diarrhea, cramps, fever, nausea or vomiting.

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Foodborne Outbreaks

Iowa E. coli: Raw apple cider may be associated with an Iowa E. coli outbreak.
University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) E. coli: At least 8 people have been sickened, 7 of them students.
Michigan E. coli Lettuce: A Michigan E. coli outbreak has been associated with bagged iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid's Produce Company.
Aunt Mid's Lawsuit: People in Michigan, Illinois, New York, Ohio and Oregon have been sickened in an E. coli outbreak.
University of Michigan and MSU E. coli Lawsuit: 7 students at Michigan State University and 3 students at the University of Michigan have contracted E. coli infections.
Hendricks Farm Campylobacter outbreak associated with Hendricks Farm & Dairy in Telford, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Oklahoma E. coli: An Oklahoma E. coli outbreak may be linked to a Locust Grove restaurant.
Nebraska Beef Lawsuit: Nebraska Beef, Ltd. has recalled millions of pounds of beef products and has been linked to 2 outbreaks.
Massachusettes E. coli: A Massachusettes E. coli outbreak has been linked to Nebraska Beef products and Coleman Meat products.
Whole Foods Market Lawsuit: The Whole Foods Market E. coli outbreak is part of the Massachusettes E. coli outbreak above.
Virginia E. coli - Goshen Scout Reservation: Dozens of scouts were sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to beef.
Georgia E. coli - Barbecue Pit Lawsuit
Ohio E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
Michigan E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
Multi-State Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak: Tomatoes have sickened hundreds of people throughout the United States.
Minnesota Preschool E. coli: Outbreak associated with Wonder World Preschool in Slayton, Minnesota.
Washington E. coli Lettuce: Outbreak associated with commercial romaine lettuce.
Texas Salmonella Saintpaul - Tomato: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
New Mexico Salmonella Saintpaul Linked to Tomatoes: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
Nebraska E. coli Outbreak Associated with Roast Beef
Hepatitis A - La Mesa California Chipotle - Lawyer and Lawsuit: San Diego County hepatitis A outbreak
Salmonella - Puffed Rice Recall and Puffed Wheat Recall: Malt-O-Meal cereal recall.
Minnesota Salmonella - Milford Valley Farms Lawsuit: Frozen chicken product.
Salmonella - Agropecuaria Montelibano Cantaloupe Recall: Cantaloupe from Honduras.
Salmonella Litchfield Cantaloupe Lawsuit: Recall of Dole, Chiquita and other brands.
Honolulu E. coli - Sekiya's Lawsuit and Lawyer: E. coli associated with Hawaii restaurant.
Alabama E. coli - Church Supper: Outbreak associated with Eastern Shore Baptis Church.
E. coli - Rochester Meat Company Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef recall.
E. coli - Jeno's and Totino's Pizza Recall and Lawsuit: Pepperoni on pizza.
E. coli - Topps Recall and Lawsuit: Hamburger patty recall.
E. coli - Cargill/Sam's Club Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef patty recall.
Listeria - Whittier Farms Recall and Lawsuit: Miscarriage and death linked to milk.
Hawaii Salmonella - Tuna Recall and Lawsuit
Salmonella - Safeway Ground Beef Recall and Lawsuit