E Coli food poisoning problems may persist long after recovery
Most healthy individuals who suffer E. coli food poisoning are able to recover within a few weeks. However, for young children, elderly and those with a weakened immune system, food poisoning could lead to more serious problems and medical issues that may continue for years after the initial recovery from the illness.
>>INFORMATION: E. Coli Food Poisoning
An Associated Press article publiched last month highlighted how long lasting food poisoning problems are still not fully appreciated or understood by most doctors. Researchers have identified increasing amounts of information which connect E. coli sufferers with serious illness and medical problems, such as high blood pressure, kidney damage and kidney failure. These problems could develop as long as 10 to 20 years after the initial signs of the food poisoning passed.
E. Coli poisoning can occur when foods are consumed that are contaminated with certain bacteria. Symptoms can vary, but the most common problems associated with food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pains. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food poisoning results in about 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths each year.
One of the more serious consequences of food poisoning for those contaminated with E. coli is a form of kidney damage known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. It is well known that this serious disorder is fatal in about 10% of all cases. However, new evidence from researchers who are examining the long-term effects of food poisoning, indicates that up to half of all HUS survivors experience serious health problems years later which are related to the E. coli poisoning.
Over the past two years, there have been several widespread E. coli food poisoning outbreaks which have sickened thousands of people. Roughly 30 million pounds of ground been were recalled in 2007 due to contamination with E. coli, as well as other recalls involving frozen pizzas with contaminated pepperoni toppings, bagged spinach and lettuce. In addition, other food recalls have been issued due to contamination which could lead to salmonella food poisoning or botulism.
E COLI FOOD POISONING LAWSUITS
The food poisoning attorneys at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. represent individuals who have been diagnosed with e. coli, salmonella or botulism after consuming a contaminated food product. It is important to review any potential claim as soon as possible after suffering food poisoning to make sure that your legal rights are preserved. If you, a friend or family member have suffered severe illness after consuming a recalled food product, request a free food poisoning consultation.
