Galena Elementary School E. coli

There are now 11 confirmed cases of E. coli in Floyd County, Indiana. Most of the people sickened are elementary students who attend Galena Elementary School in Floyds Knobs, Indiana.

Some of the children have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. (Read an entry on our food poisoning blog regarding one child who may need dialysis.)

Below is an Indiana State Department of Health press release regarding the Galena Elementary School E. coli cases. Pritzker | Ruohonen, a leading E. coli litigation law firm, is providing it here as a public service. Our lawyers have a national reputation and have been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Lawyers USA, and other publications. In recognition of their accomplishments, lawyers Fred Pritzker and Rich Ruohonen have been named "Super Lawyers" by a state legal magazine. To contact Pritzker | Ruohonen, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

Indiana Department of Health Press Release: A Cluster of E. Coli Cases Are Under Investigation In Floyd County

September 25, 2007 - The Indiana State Department of Health is currently working with the Floyd County Health Department to determine the source of recent E. coli infections in the area.

State and local health officials have identified 7 confirmed and 6 probable cases in Floyd County. The majority of the cases attend the same elementary school [Galena Elementary School]. Additionally, other cases are still under investigation.

"The State Department of Health will continue to work in partnership with local health officials in Floyd County until we determine the source of this infection," says State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D.

The most effective way to prevent infection is thorough hand-washing with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom, before preparing food, and before eating.

"It is important for all Hoosiers to thoroughly wash their hands throughout the day," says Dr. Monroe. "Effective hand-washing can remove many illness-causing bacteria such as E.coli."

Many different strains of E. coli bacteria can produce a diarrheal (sometimes bloody) illness. Persons become ill usually within 3-4 days of exposure (range of 2-10 days). The illness usually lasts about 5-10 days and resolves on its own. Adequate fluid replacement is important to prevent dehydration.

Rarely, a serious condition called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), can develop from an E. coli infection. It involves the kidneys and results in the patient needing dialysis and advanced medical treatment.

The most common methods of transmission are ingestion of food contaminated with fecal material, including inadequately cooked ground beef, fresh produce, and unpasteurized dairy products or cider. Environmental contamination can occur through healthy animals (especially livestock and petting zoos) and contaminated water supplies (drinking or recreational water). E. coli can be passed to others (usually among family members) if proper hand washing is not followed. Anyone with diarrhea should not prepare or serve food to others.

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Foodborne Outbreaks

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