Four people have been hospitalized in an E. coli outbreak at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Some of them are battling a potentially fatal form of kidney failure associated with E. coli infections called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Dr. Naveen Patil, Deputy State Health Officer for the Arkansas Department of Health said 100 people have reported symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection including abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Health officials are using information provided by 3,200 people who completed surveys to try and determine which illnesses are part of this outbreak and the food source.
The University of Arkansas said today that the Arkansas Department of Health does not believe the outbreak is linked to the university’s public dining facilities.
Any food can become contaminated with E. coli and cause illness if eaten raw or improperly cooked. The two most common sources of E. coli outbreaks are leafy greens and ground beef.
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Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli and HUS
Symptoms of an E. coli infection include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that is sometimes bloody. Usually, these symptoms appear within one to three days of exposure.
Some strains of E. coli produce Shiga toxins that are poisonous to humans and cause severe illness including HUS.
Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications and antibiotics should not be given to patients with E. coli infections as they can increase the chance of developing HUS.
HUS symptoms usually develop a week after initial E. coli symptoms. Anyone with HUS symptoms should seek immediate emergency health care.
HUS symptoms include:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Pale skin
- Unexplained bruising
- Decreased urination
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in legs, feet, or ankles
Experienced E. coli Lawyers
If you or your child developed an E. coli infection from contaminated food at the University of Arkansas and would like a free consultation with an experienced E. coli lawyer, please contact our E. coli Legal Team. We have represented clients in every major E. coli outbreak in the U.S. You can reach us by calling 1-888-377-8900, sending a text to 612-261-0856, or by completing the form below. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.