Fort Wayne, INAkin to the constant risk of accident while driving down a busy freeway or Interstate, the possibility for Foodborne Illness remains an ongoing threat so long as we continue having the need to eat. And while we can usually keep Food Poisoning at bay in our own kitchens by conscientious observance of safe food preparation practice, the same can't always be said for commercial establishments.
The tragedy—and one of the things that can bring a Food Poisoning lawsuit—is that foodborne illness and food poisoning can have lasting consequences long after the initial illness has been dealt with.
Two recent cases of food poisoning illustrate the point that becoming sick from the consumption of food doesn't have to be tied to a major catastrophe that is often the bane of foodborne illness outbreaks.
To that end, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health recently reported that 107 people were sickened by Norovirus, a foodborne illness, at Cebolla's Mexican Grill, located on W. Jefferson Blvd. in Fort Wayne, Indiana, late last month.
The situation is believed to have stemmed from food consumed March 25 at the establishment, according to the News-Sentinel of Fort Wayne, Indiana (4/9/12). The formal identification of Norovirus—which is often found on cruise ships and in hospitals, nursing homes and schools, was confirmed on Good Friday, April 6.
In a separate incident, a group of high school students and their chaperones became ill while traveling on a band trip in Pennsylvania, according to the Associate Press (AP; 3/14/12). The entourage—from Kansas—was on its return trip home when foodborne illness forced a stop at Excela Frick Hospital, about 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, for treatment of symptoms related to food poisoning.
Of the 164 people on the excursion, 50 turned into foodborne illness cases. The group of travelers indicated they had stopped in New York to eat prior to embarking on their return trip, although they could not recall exactly where or the name of the establishment(s). Health departments in Pennsylvania and New York State are investigating.
Depending upon the severity of the Foodborne Illness, patients are treated with medication to combat nausea, and are hydrated to replace lost fluids. However, long after the illness has passed, there can be lasting effects.
Health Daily Digest reported in March (3/22/12) that a bout with food poisoning could trigger long-lasting disorders such as diabetes, kidney failure, high blood pressure and arthritis in some patients.
Infections such as E. coli, Salmonella and other types of Food Poisoning can lead to far more serious health problems down the road, either immediately or long after the food poisoning has been remedied.
All the more reason to contact a food poisoning lawyer if undercooked or mishandled food at a commercial establishment has caused you to become ill now, or at any point in the future.
If you or a loved one have suffered losses in this case, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a personal injury lawyer who may evaluate your Foodborne Illness claim at no cost or obligation.