Wednesday, October 23, New Mexico health officials announced they found at least five cases of E. coli infection related to a deadly, multi-state outbreak linked to McDonald’s. According to the state Department of Health, at least one of the five known persons infected with E. coli has been hospitalized. All five of the individuals infected in New Mexico are residents of Bernalillo County.
Everyone who has been infected in this outbreak so far has reported they ate at McDonald’s before becoming sick, and according to the Federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC), the majority said they had eaten a Quarter Pounder hamburger.
On Tuesday, October 22, the CDC announced that one person had died from the infection, and on Wednesday they announced that McDonald’s had removed beef patties and slivered onions from 12 states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, most E. coli bacteria are harmless, but the strain affecting New Mexico and other states produces a potent toxin that damages the intestinal wall lining and causes bloody diarrhea.
The New Mexico state epidemiologist, Dr. Chad Smelser, urges those who feel they may have consumed potentially contaminated food and are displaying symptoms of infection lasting longer than normal, especially fever or blood in urine or stool, to seek immediate medical care.
The Dangers of E. coli Infection
Most strains of E. coli bacteria are relatively harmless, while they may still make those infected sick, most of the time those infected will experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, but can get over it on their own. However, when a strain, like the one found in New Mexico and other states, gets into the body’s system, it can lead to more serious complications for those who are more at risk, such as children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
“One of the biggest dangers of an E. coli outbreak is how quickly it can spread. Contaminated food can lead to widespread infection, and affect individuals across multiple states,” says attorney Michael Duran of Singleton Schreiber, “this rapid transmission makes it all the more important for companies to ensure strict safety protocols in their supply chains. When businesses fail to uphold these standards, they can be held accountable for the harm caused to consumers.”
Can Those Affected Purse Legal Recourse?
Individuals affected by E. coli bacteria may be eligible to pursue legal action against parties who are found to be responsible for the contamination. Potentially liable parties could include food producers, suppliers, and the restaurant chain, particularly if negligence in handling, processing, or preparing food led to the outbreak.
Victims of an E. coli infection may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages. This can include:
- Medical expenses for treatment and hospitalization
- Lost wages if the illness prevented them from working
- Pain and suffering due to the severity of their symptoms
- Wrongful death compensation to family members if their loved one died due to infection
If you or a loved one have been affected by an E. coli outbreak, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. Call (505) 605-2076 or email at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule a free consultation.
