subject: Bravo Farms Gouda Cheese E. Coli Outbreak: 33 Illnesses Now Confirmed [print this page] Bravo Farms Gouda Cheese EBravo Farms Gouda Cheese E. Coli Outbreak: 33 Illnesses Now Confirmed
At that time, 25 people in 5 states had reported illnesses that were linked to the tainted cheese. Now, that number has climbed to 33 - and 15 of those people have been hospitalized.
One individual has developed HUS or hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening complication of E. Coli.
The tally so far for illnesses related to this outbreak:
Arizona has 15 confirmed cases
Colorado - 10 confirmed cases
California - 3 confirmed cases
New Mexico - 3 confirmed cases
Nevada - 2 confirmed cases
While these are the illnesses reported so far, many illnesses go unreported when individuals do not get extremely ill and symptoms dissipate. HUS is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in young children and infants; people who are frail or elderly often die from HUS.
Costco has also recalled Mauri Gorgonzola cheese that was sold in Colorado stores only. The sell-by dates on this product are 1/13/11 and 1/14/11. This particular cheese was cut, packaged and distributed to Costco by DPI Specialty Foods of Tualatin, Oregon. Consumers are urged by the FDA to return the cheese to the store where it was purchased, or to dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag.
E. Coli produces symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps; these symptoms usually last for a week or less. Some cases may be more severe, or cause serious complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome as mentioned above.
Contact a reputable New York food poisoning attorney if you develop symptoms of E. Coli after eating foods that are possibly tainted with the bacteria.
A qualified doctor can analyze your body and determine whether you have E. Coli and need any type of treatment.
