E. Coli Outbreak Claims the Life of a Young Girl

Coal Valley,, ILThe Cleveland Health Department has reported that a 7-year-old Cleveland girl died Sunday from an E. coli infection. Health officials say the death could be linked to a massive ground beef recall issued Thursday from Valley Meats LLC of Coal Valley, Ill.

A USDA investigation has now confirmed that three other Cleveland-area residents were also infected by eating the same contaminated ground beef: a 3-year-old girl, a 24-year-old man and a 71-year-old man. Each tested positive for the identical strain of E. coli O157:H7. All have reportedly recovered. Other illnesses with matching E. coli O157:H7 strains have been reported in Pennsylvania and Illinois.
Valley Meats LLC has now recalled nearly 50 tons of hamburger patties. The brands included in the recall are 3-S, Grillmaster, J and B, Klub, Thick 'n Savory, Ultimate and more than a dozen generic brands.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure. Children, senior citizens and people with weak immune systems are most susceptible to infection.

If you or a loved one has tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, you may want to seek legal help.