Chipotle Concerns Reach Boston College

 Posted on January 03, 2016 in Food Poisoning

Recently, an outbreak of E.coli found in Chipotle locations in nine states was linked to more than 50 illness cases. The outbreak reached Boston College, where at least eight members of the men's basketball team became ill after eating at a local Chipotle outlet. Their illnesses made them unable to play, forcing the team to cancel practice and a game against Providence College.

Food poisoning, like E.coli, can become serious to the point that it creates health complications for those who come into contact with it. In many cases, especially where the victim is a young, healthy individual, food poisoning resolves itself within a few days. But this is not always the case. Sometimes, E.coli infection becomes hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition that can lead to kidney shut down and following that, permanent kidney damage or death. If you notice yourself suffering from E.coli symptoms like a low fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, seek medical attention as soon as you can.

How is E.coli Spread?

E.coli bacteria live in the digestive systems and tissues of animals like goats, deer, elk, and cattle. When a human eats an animal that had E.coli in its system, the human can become ill. Sometimes, E.coli can be found in pigs and birds, especially if they shared close quarters with a carrier of the bacteria.

E.coli is spread to humans through consumption, generally the consumption of an infected animal's feces. This happens far more frequently than one might assume – in tiny, even microscopic, bits of fecal matter can easily become mixed with meat products at a processing plant, contaminating a batch of meat without any type of visible or otherwise noticeable clue. In addition to eating contaminated meat, victims can come into contact with E.coli bacteria through contaminated raw milk, contaminated water, regular contact with cattle or other animals carrying the bacteria, and contact with an infected human's fecal matter.

What Can I Do if I am Infected with E.coli?

The thought of becoming infected with E.coli can seem scary and disgusting. If you suspect that you are suffering from this type of food poisoning, it is important that you notify your doctor so your case can be investigated and potentially linked to a known outbreak. When E.coli outbreaks are recognized, healthcare providers often notify the general public and attempt to find the source of the infection.

If you are infected, the best way to treat E.coli is with ample hydration. Drink water and avoid antibiotics, which can actually make your illness worse if you are suffering from hemolytic uremic syndrome. Follow your doctor's orders to make a full recovery.

Seek Help from an Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney

Harmful bacteria like E.coli and salmonella can be found anywhere. If you or a loved one have suffered significant losses as a result of a case of food poisoning, you could have grounds for a personal injury claim to seek compensation for these losses. To learn more, work with the experienced food poisoning attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP. Contact our firm today to schedule your initial legal consultation with us.