Chicago Cryptosporidium Food Poisoning Attorneys

Personal Injury Lawyers for Illinois Foodborne Illness Victims, Including Cryptosporidiosis

During the first decade of the 21st century, Cryptosporidium was the top source of waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States. The illness-causing parasite, which is found in every region throughout the country, is also transferred via food poisoning and other methods.

If you have been diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis poisoning attributed to tainted food, Newland & Newland, LLP will aggressively pursue the financial award you deserve for costly medical bills, lost work hours, and pain and suffering you have endured.

Previous settlements and judgments for our clients include $200,000 for an individual whose pre-existing multiple sclerosis was aggravated by a foodborne illness.

Cryptosporidium Symptoms

Cryptosporidium resides in the stomach of infected people and animals and is transferred via feces contamination. Possible symptoms include:

• Fever;
• Stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting;
• Lack of appetite and weight loss;
• Dehydration; and
• Watery diarrhea.

Infected persons shed cryptosporidium parasites through their stool, with up to 100 million germs in a single bowel movement. It only takes around 10 germs to cause an infection, so anyone who does not wash their hands appropriately can spread the illness to many others. Symptoms usually begin within two to 10 days of ingestion and last up to two weeks.

If you experience a combination of these symptoms, visit a physician as soon as possible. The majority of individuals who contract cryptosporidium recover without medical treatment by increased fluid consumption, and avoiding alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine. A doctor may suggest an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication, or prescribe the drug nitazoxanide for diarrhea treatment.

Causes of Cryptosporidium Infection

Like most types of food poisoning, cryptosporidium often spreads due to insufficient safety practices by an individual who handles or prepares food, whether at a grocery store, restaurant, or any food service entity. Contamination can also occur from tainted water, which may have been used to grow or wash the food prior to sale.

Cryptosporidium germs are most frequently consumed through uncooked foods, including raw fruits and vegetables. The best way to prevent the spread of cryptosporidium is by thoroughly washing any produce you bring home.

Non-food-related causes of infection include contact with contaminated surfaces like changing tables, bathroom fixtures, and children's toys; swallowing pool, pond, lake, or river water; or touching an infected barnyard animal, such as a cow or young calf.

Contact an Illinois Food Poisoning Lawyer

The negligent and unsanitary actions of just one food service employee can cause the spread of cryptosporidium or any type of foodborne illness. If a physician diagnosed you with food poisoning that you think originated from a grocer, farmer's market, restaurant, or any other food provider, Newland & Newland, LLP is prepared to fight for you. We can help you attain the compensation you need for a full physical, emotional, and financial recovery. To discuss the facts of your case and potential courses of action with a trusted Chicago personal injury attorney, contact us to set up a free phone consultation at 312-981-0409. We have five convenient Chicago area locations to serve you, including Arlington Heights, Libertyville, Chicago, and Itasca.