Transmission

E. coli is naturally found in the intestines of mammals and is usually spread through contamination of food or water with fecal matter. The strain of E. coli that is most dangerous to humans, E. coli O157:H7, has been found in a wide variety of foods and liquids such as:

• ground beef
• salami
• alfalfa sprouts
• lettuce
• spinach
• mushrooms
• shellfish
• unpasteurized milk
• apple juice and cider
• well water

Contact with live animals can also lead to an E. coli infection.

One may also become infected by E. coli when swimming in an unchlorinated contaminated swimming pool or lakes, or in a bath tub with shared bathwater. Water is an often-overlooked source of E. coli infection. Animals or small children may defecate in a pool, lake, or bathtub, and their fecal matter may contaminate the water with E. coli.

Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, E. coli, 2007. Online at http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/ecoli/Transmission.htm

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TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY AT PRITZKER | RUOHONEN REVIEW YOUR E. COLI CASE, PLEASE SUBMIT THE FORM BELOW. YOU MAY ALSO CALL 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL-FREE) OR EMAIL ATTORNEY FRED PRITZKER.

• Experienced

  Our law firm has represented victims of E. coli outbreaks involving ground beef, spinach and lettuce. We have also handled cases involving restaurants, including cases where health officials could not pinpoint the food served at the restaurant that was responsible for the illnesses. We also have represented the families of people who died from the complications of an E. coli infection, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

• Respected

  Our lawyers have gained a national reputation in this area and have been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TV stations and others. In recognition of their accomplishments, Pritzker | Ruohonen lawyers Fred Pritzker, Rich Ruohonen and Elliot Olsen have been named "Super Lawyers" by Law & Politics.

• Advocates

  For most of our clients, the goal of an E. coli lawsuit is not only just compensation, but also to send a message to food manufacturers, food retailers, restaurants and others that food safety matters. We support our clients in this and take measures to advocate for needed changes on the federal and state levels.