Health Law

Palmyra Bologna and other E. coli outbreaks (past) in Pennsylvania

By Marler Clark

The Palmyra bologna E. coli outbreak hasn't been kind to Pennsylvanians.  Six of them are included in the CDC's updated case count, released last night.  As of March 22, including the 6 Pennsylvania cases, the Palmyra bolgna outbreak has sickened 14 people with E. coli O157:H7 in Maryland (3 cases), New Jersey (2 cases), North Carolina (1 case), and Ohio (2 cases).

Thanks to www.outbreakdatabase.com, a great investigative tool from the food safety lawyers at Marler Clark, here is a quick list of other E. coli outbreaks that have ensnared Pennsylvania residents over the last decade:

• Nebraska Beef/Whole Foods E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to ground beef
• Topps E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to ground beef
• Freshway E. coli O145 outbreak linked to shredded lettuce
• 2007 E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to unknown vehicle
• Hoss Family Steak and Sea House E. coli O157:H7 outbreak
• Banquet facility jerky E. coli outbreak
• Taco Bell lettuce E. coli O157:H7 outbreak
• Dole baby spinach E. coli O157:H7 outbreak
• Farm Animal E. coli O157:H7 outbreak

Fortunately, there are no reported cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, in the current Palmyra bologna E. coli outbreak.  Among 13 ill persons for whom information is known, 3 or 23%, reported being hospitalized. 

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on March 24, 2011 (boomark / email).